'My toppings are falling' –

I still smile at the memory of hearing the three-year-old's voice as he stated, "My toppings are falling." Even knowing the context fails to remove my amusement. John's voice was almost filled with desolation yet it soon changed to one of glee. How? By simply realizing the sheer deliciousness of soft caramel filled with M&Ms, sprinkles and bits of chocolate.

Yes, we were making our annual caramel apples. His mom of course – totally OCD as she can be with all things domestic – had all the toppings set out when I arrived with more apples. This year, the choices were more numerous than past years. We had the normal nuts, toasted coconut and chocolate flakes. But then there were also the M&Ms, sprinkles of various colors, popcorn, white chocolate chips and chocolate sauce. You can just imagine all the variety of apples that were created that day with the choices we had.

What made it even more fun was the fact that for six people – including three teenagers – it was their very first time making this delicious treat. I think everyone should make this an annual tradition.

But most of all, there was little John's discovery. His apple was one of the first to be covered in caramel. We've always started with the youngest and gone up the ladder to the oldest. First, they got to pick out the color Popsicle stick they wanted and write their name on it; then they picked out their apple; and finally, the apple was pierced with the stick, hopefully with the name visible.

Since the little ones' apples were wrapped in caramel first, they have often gotten the most of that sticky, gooey treat on their fruit. John's was second and I didn't stinge. By the time I'd turned his apple through the caramel a few times, it was almost too heavy for him to hold (fortunately God gave us two hands). Then came the coatings. I loved this part most of all because the little ones watched closely as their apple became something unique and special to them with each choice they made.

The finished creations were then placed on waxed paper to cool (and to wait until dessert time). And this was where John realized the weakness of too much caramel. The weight and volume caused the caramel to droop, forming a puddle around his apple. When compared to the other apples, that seemed to maintain their shape, he first saw it as "wrong."

But then...well, let's just say that John didn't start out knowing that the mistake was actually a benefit. Not until he saw his big sister and I taking a clip out of the gooeyness and savoring the taste. Then, he, too, came to understand how he now had the opportunity to sneak some of dessert early and taste a portion of what was coming. Yum!

So, why would I bother telling this story in such great detail and length? Well, if you think about it, there is a moral here. How many times do we look at things in our life and think, "My toppings are falling," or something similar? What often appears as error on our part can often turn into a plus.

Recently, I was stuck in L.A. traffic and starting to get tense and stressed. I turned on the radio to a station that I can't hear in my home and began listening to a program that was illuminating and informative. I actually didn't want to get to my destination before the program ended (well, this part wasn't the happy error that I wanted – but still what portion I heard was beneficial).

So many times in my life (and yours, I imagine), the negative things that happen can turn out to be incredible pluses. Even incredible tragedy. God always finds a way to bring good from bad events. We just need to look for the "silver lining" – or the drooping caramel and toppings – to see His hand at work.

Here's hoping you have the opportunity to experience this autumn treat. Provecho!