Wilted Hairstyle

 Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind. But above all these, put on love! Love is the perfect tie to bind these together. Let your hearts fall under the rule of the Anointed’s peace (the peace you were called to as one body), and be thankful.  Let the word of the Anointed One richly inhabit your lives. With all wisdom teach, counsel, and instruct one another. Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing—sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness.  Surely, no matter what you are doing (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father. (Colossians 3: 12-17 The Voice)

            Gel went onto my freshly shampooed hair and rollers formed curls. After a brush styled it, hairspray held my hair in place. A glance at the mirror showed it looked good.  

            Then I stepped outside into Florida’s humidity. Moisture dampened and flattened the time consuming hairdo. Within minutes, the look of my hair changed dramatically because of the environment. 

            On my recent retreat in North Carolina, I was immersed in godly teaching and meaningful Christian music. Everyone attending the conference and the staff of the center showed Christian love. The entire experience gave me peace and contentment. Love enfolded me. 

            Being secluded at the retreat, can help prepare and encourage me to go into a broken world. It is easy to be kind and loving when surrounded by loving people. The real test comes when I return to the real world. 

            Would I be able to be kind to annoying people? Would I continue to have peace when caught in traffic? Would I remain strong when hit with difficult circumstances? 

            Like my hair drooping in the humidity, it is easy to bend and fall with the trials of the world. But with the help of Jesus, I can remain strong.

Father, give me the strength and peace to endure whatever life brings. Amen 

The Lizard and the Vanishing Dragonfly

Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26 WEB)

            From my porch chair, I noticed a peculiar creature on the screen and couldn’t figure out what it was. Up close, I discovered a brown lizard with four transparent wings protruding from his mouth. The outlandish sight distracted me from my morning devotions. 

            The predator gripped a large dragonfly in the center of the defenseless bug’s body. Never had I observed a lizard capture such a large, swift insect. 

            For fifteen or twenty minutes, I studied him through the screen as he struggled with his prey. Bit by bit, tiny teeth nibbled. A faint crunch sounded with each bite. Two wings vanished into the wee mouth. With every breath, his lungs heaved but he didn’t stop. 

            While he ate, the anole moved up and down my screen. His head turned back and forth to help move the meal into his mouth. Gradually, only two wings and the slender body remained. Little by little, almost all of it descended into his fat belly. 

            The final piece of wing glistened in the sunlight. At the end of his meal, his mouth opened and closed numerous times. His tongue shot out as the finale of a delicious feast.  

Then he rested among my flowers. 

            The amazing incident astounded me. I could not understand how the lizard caught a rapid dragonfly and ate such a large creature compared to his size. When I looked at his tiny body and miniscule mouth, the process seemed impossible.  However, with time and perseverance, he accomplished his goal. 

            Often, situations appear too big and grueling for me to handle. Tasks seem impossible. But with God’s wisdom, guidance, and strength, I can persevere and conquer my challenges like the lizard did before my eyes.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for your extraordinary creatures and your plan for each one. Thank you for teaching me through them and for helping me accomplish what I often think is impossible. Amen