Mrs. Job

Job 2:9 "Then his wife said to him, 'Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.'”

We don't know her name. I'm referring to the wife of of the infamous suffer, Job. Even unchurched folk have heard of this Biblical character. People joke about experiencing a Job-like dilemma. Very few have ever come close to what Job endured. In a brief span of time he lost his children, livelihood, property, and perfect health. The only slice left of his earthly pie was a wife who suggested he curse God and die.
Job's first response to the priority mail his servants delivered - anguish and worship. He acknowledged God's power to give gifts AND to take them away. He blessed God's name. His mind was made up on the goodness of God, not the unfairness. Did Job waffle a bit as his story progressed? Yes. However, I want to camp out at his first response.
The most cherished possessions of Job were yanked from his open hands in a flash. He proclaimed God's prerogative to give and take away because he was living a surrendered life. His wife's response was to curse. Her clinched fist living made losing all she held onto as unbearable. I can identify with this nameless woman. I can put my name where hers belongs. I've not cursed God with words, but have insinuated His unfairness when he withdrew the valuables clutched in my tight-fisted palms. I've held pity parties and invited all my friends to attend. I've rejected the hideous wrapping paper of a gift enclosed with significant value. I chose to gaze only at the exterior, never imagining God had stored a priceless gift inside. Only later did I realize God's gift of suffering was purposed for my intimacy with Him, to reflect His glory in the way I opened my gift. Yes, suffering can be a gift.
My palms are open, ready to receive whatever is next.