Perseverance and Sharing

 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5: 3-5 WEB)

            For a month, my son and his family lived at Trail West, a Young Life camp in Colorado, while he was a staff member there. Each of his daughters received a tab for the snack shop. As time at camp ran out so did the money.

            But two determined granddaughters devised a plan. They created bracelets and rings of painters tape. The sale of their jewelry produced enough money for a yummy shake. Two straws in the delicious ice cream made the pair happy.

            It would have been easy for their parents to supply more money for their treats, but the girls would have missed an important lesson. Using their perseverance, creativity and sisterly love provided more than an ice cream shake.

            Not bailing people out can be difficult. It seems to be more loving to step in and take care of their troubles. However, if they never have to solve their own problems, they won’t develop the perseverance, character, and hope that Paul wrote about.

            At times, we all need a helping hand. But continuing to provide what they need or think they need doesn’t allow them to grow and use their own abilities.   

Heavenly Father, guide us in knowing when to assist others and when to let them figure things out on their own. Thank you for your love. Amen

Thank You to Chick Fil A

            Horrible events stunned Orlando and the world last month. A Christian singer was shot while signing autographs after her concert. Before we could fully grasp that tragedy, another disaster hit our city. Forty-nine young people died and many more were injured when a gunman attacked viciously. Then an alligator yanked a two-year-old boy away from his frantic parents.

            These catastrophes shattered our peace, brought sadness, and robbed us of our sense of security. But compassion and love overcame hate of the shooters.

            Central Florida united. Flowers, flags, and teddy bears covered sidewalks. Crosses paid tribute to victims. Thousands attended vigils and prayer services. People from around the world helped comfort us. Millions of dollars were donated. Walls began crumbling. Differences seemed less important. Healing began.

            On Sunday, employees of Chick Fil A went to work so they could give out free sandwiches and tea to those waiting in line for hours to donate blood for survivors of the attack.

            The traditional Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A this year aided our healing. Black spotted calves, cows and bulls lined up to receive free food. While waiting, the animals talked, laughed and took pictures instead of being annoyed, staring at phones or ignoring those around them. Wee children, retired grandparents, singles and families dressed in various costumes and enjoyed the excitement.

            For a while, Chick Fil A offered a reprieve from the heartache of our local area and other recent tragedies around our country. It was a day of togetherness, friendship, and compassion. Thank you Chick Fil A.

My book, Ambushed by Glory in My Grief, can be purchased on Amazon in print or kindle format. The forty devotionals follow my grief after losing both of my parents and my husband within eleven months.

I pray that the book will be a comfort to those who are grieving. Grief has many forms.

amazon.com/author/rebeccacarpenter

Senior Dryer Moment

            After arriving home late on Saturday, I waited until after the holiday to launder clothes from my trip even though my mom would probably have had hers done that night. That is one area I didn’t follow her and age has made me more laid back too.

            On Tuesday, one load went into the dryer as another one went into the washer. While I worked on my computer, the tumbling of the dryer rumbled in the background. I completed my work but the dryer continued.

            Finally, after a longer than normal drying time, I reached inside to pull out a few already dry items. Surprisingly, there were none. Every piece was as wet as when I took them from the washer. The top of the dryer was cool instead of hot.

            Then my weary, time zone addled mind remembered. The day I left for my extended trip I had washed a small load of clothes so everything would be clean when I arrived home. The dryer didn’t work right then either.

            However, my almost three week trip caused me to forget. Although I knew my neighbor would be glad to let me use her dryer, since she offered the first time, I decided to use solar energy.

            With no clothesline, I hung shirts and pants on hangers around my stifling garage. Underwear and socks went on Alan’s antique drying rack as I almost had heat stroke in the sweltering giant dryer. I laughed to myself at my Beverly Hillbilly type dryer and my own forgetfulness.  At least, the extreme heat of the past few days was a benefit.

            The following morning all clothes were dry. A repairman is scheduled for later today. Hopefully, the problem will be solved easily without too much cost.

            The last few years I have learned to not stress over things as much. Having a sense of humor helps me get through many situations more easily.