Tuesday, November 2, 2021

 An Altered Adventure

June 10, 2020

 

“Grandma, what are we going to do?” ten-year old Molly asked as we settled into my car. 

            The pandemic separated us for months but with restrictions lifting, she had decided to spend the night. After she hugged her mom and put her loaded suitcase in my trunk, our adventure began. 

            “We will get lunch somewhere. I have donations to drop off for a charity.”

            Because it was close to downtown DeLand, I decided to take a closer exit off the interstate than the one near my home.

            “Oh, no. I missed our exit,” I said. We were talking and I noticed my mistake. 

            The next exit was nine miles away.    

            “Grandma, I’m hungry. I didn’t eat much for breakfast.”

            “We’ll get something soon. Think of this as an adventure.”

            Of course, there were only trees as far as we could see. 

When we finally got off the interstate, I had to turn around and get back on the highway. That route took us about a mile from my home. My plan for a shorter trip actually took us longer. 

            “Grandma, we’ve been gone an hour.”

            “Not quite.” I didn’t want to admit it was close to an hour. 

            We finally dropped off the donations and picked up food from a fast food restaurant. At home, we opened the bag. 

            Molly unwrapped a sandwich. “This has lettuce so it must be yours,” she said. 

            She opened another sandwich. “This is chicken.”

            We knew I ordered two hamburgers. “You can have mine.”

            “That’s ok,” she answered. 

            We ate limp fries with our sandwiches. 

            When plans don’t turn out the way we hope, we can whine and brood or accept the disruptions and go on. 

            Molly and I laughed at the missed exit and ate our less than perfect lunch. We were just happy to be together for our adventure. 

            I was thankful for Molly’s enthusiasm and acceptance of our unexpected experiences. 

Loving Father, during the pandemic, we have had many changes, losses and trials. Help us accept our disruptions graciously as just another adventure. Amen.

            

            

            

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

The Retreat in New Hampshire


 

 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Yahweh weighs the motives. Proverbs 16:1-2 (WEB)

 

Heavy, gray clouds blocked all traces of an anticipated sunrise over the mountains. Rain pattered on the roof of the hotel’s veranda. Clouds swept over the tops of the mountains and reduced them to hills. 

 

            A collection of trees filled the valley and crept up the mountains. Tall evergreens hovered over golden, amber and brown trees. Bare white birch stood at attention along the edge. Together they formed a picturesque but muted forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I hoped to see an infusion of brilliant colors all over the mountains but rain days earlier caused leaves to drop and dim. 

 

            For two days rain kept me inside the grand, historic hotel with only views of the expansive grounds. Although my experience didn’t meet my expectations of vibrant, autumn colors, the cooler weather and subdued colors provided a welcome change from warm and green Florida. I marveled at God’s creation so different from my lake view.

 

            From my seat on the long porch, I noticed a stream that emerged from the woods and rushed along the rocky banks. Mist slipped down the mountains and obscured more of the forest. Peacefulness settled over me as I watched the changing view. 

 

            After my bout of covid, the Asbury Seminary Retreat provided peace and healing for me. Speakers from the seminary spoke to my heart. Wonderful music soothed my soul. I enjoyed meeting interesting, new friends. 

 

            I had prayed to know who should get the books I packed in my suitcase. My grief ministry expanded as I heard stories of loss from other participants. I gave out three books for those who had recently lost loved ones.

 

            Although my expectations for vibrant fall colors didn’t materialize, the subtle beauty of the mountains and countryside supplied serenity and a time for contemplation. 

 

            Throughout life, plans change and hopes are dashed. Instead of lamenting over losses, embrace new opportunities and see what surprises God has planned.   

 

Heavenly Father, when my plans are thwarted, you know what lies ahead and can turn it into something good. Amen.   

Friday, October 8, 2021

The Massive Spider Web


 

Plans fall apart without proper advice; but with the right guidance, they come together nicely. Proverbs 15:22 (The Voice)

 

Sunlight struck my face as the sun rose above the trees. As I squinted and looked toward the lake, I noticed a glistening masterpiece suspended from my oak tree. For several minutes I stared at it. 

 

            With my binoculars, the intricacies of the spider web came into focus. A silver thread attached the top of the web to a high branch about twenty feet from the ground. Five or six strands hung from the bottom but the ends eluded me. 

 

            The giant web contained thick fibers radiating from the center to the outside like spokes on a wheel. More threads wove round and round between them in a beautiful, lacy design. 

 

            The captivating creation brought so many questions. How could a little spider construct a web so high? After working so diligently to develop it, what happened to the spider? Did the web catch any prey? What caused the large holes? 

 

            Because of the pandemic and being isolated, I have spent more time in my garden retreat enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. For months, many spider webs glistened in the grass, on small bushes and a few in trees. However, none had been as massive or as high as the recent one. 

 

            The little critter had to drop ten or fifteen feet from the top of the tree as it formed the first strand of the web. It dangled far above the ground to work on the web. Round and round it went to fashion the immense design. Diligently, it went further down to attach the web at the bottom. Up and down to hold it firmly with five or six threads. 

 

            After all of that work, something hit or flew through the web and made a couple of large holes. Did the spider receive any food from the web? Was it eaten by whatever made the hole? I will never get answers to my questions but the web made me think.

 

            Just as the spider accomplished its tedious, demanding work so do we. Our lives are formed with complex designs. We work and work forming what we think is best. Then losses, disappointments… cause holes to form in our plan. Sometimes they can be repaired easily and other times not. But if we have a firm anchor in Jesus, He will hold us securely even when the plan seems to be falling apart. 

 

Loving Father, what an amazing creation you have made. Thank you for everything from spider webs to our intricate lives. Amen

Saturday, September 18, 2021

Blessing in Community


 

 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone? 12 If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (WEB)

 

Like beacons of light my blooming orchids burst forth with color. They hung on a wooden tower and all pointed outward with clusters of blooms on long stems. 

 

            Each plant produced a unique color and design: large white with yellow centers, rich velvet like mauve, medium sized beige striped with violet, and tiny purple touched by white.  

 

            Up close, I examined and was amazed at the intricate design of every variety. The flowers on each stem were exactly the same but different from the other plants even though they were all the same species.  

 

            Once a week, I water them and occasionally add fertilizer. From their stand on the porch, they receive morning sunshine and shade from intense afternoon light. Even though I provide favorable growing conditions, nothing I do can make them grow. Only God does that. He created every one and determines its growth.  

 

            The gorgeous flowers bloom once a year but they last for two to three months. Although every one is lovely alone, the collection of flowers produced a splendid arrangement. 

 

            In community, we also flourish and produce more than we can as individuals. During isolation, we learned how important family members, Bible study groups, neighbors, friends, work colleagues and others contribute to our wellbeing.

            In community we form bonds which help us grow, flourish and serve. Together we form a beautiful collage.

 

Father, what a blessing we have when we join together. Thank you for the special gifts of community. Amen

Thursday, September 9, 2021

God's Provision


 

“Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.33 But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient. Matthew 6:31-34 (WEB)

 

 

Rumbles of thunder shattered the morning silence. Clouds darkened and blocked the blue sky. Hidden crows screeched at the interruption. Songbirds remained silent. 

Bumblebees visited orange flowers but no other wildlife appeared. 

 

            Rumbling grew to more frequent loud thunder. Wind rustled trees across the lake and then swept closer and closer. Rain followed the gales. Sheets of water streaked across the lake to my yard. 

 

            Cypress trees shook limbs heavy with moisture. My oak tree’s branches quivered in the storm. Flowers jiggled with raindrops. 

 

            Like a giant watering can, refreshing water poured onto grass, flowers, and trees. The lake level rose to normal. 

 

            With wonder I watched the effects of the storm on creation around me and marveled at God’s provision. 

 

            Media reports beg us to become embroiled in dissention with one catastrophe after another which causes anxiety, fear, anger and depression. 

 

            However, when I embrace the beauty of nature in my time with God each morning, I can forget covid, bombings, wars, protests, and natural disasters for a while. His provision for creation reminds me that He also cares for His people. That assurance helps me face daily trials.

 

Loving Father, when I see your provision for birds, bees, trees and flowers, I remember that you care for us even more. Thank you. Amen

 

            

Friday, August 27, 2021

Cloaked with Peace


 

You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (WEB)

 

Rumbles of thunder broke the morning’s silence. Clouds darkened the sky and blocked the sun. Hidden crows screeched. Songbirds remained silent. Bees visited flowers but no other wildlife appeared. 

            

            Thunder grew louder and more frequent. Wind rustled trees on the far shore and then swept closer. Sheets of rain followed close behind. First it raced over the lake and then hit the shore and my yard. 

 

            Tall cypress trees shook heavy limbs as though trying to remove the blasts of water.  The smaller oak tree quivered when washed by the rain. Flower leaves jiggled with each drop. 

 

            Droplets coated my screen. Mist and cooler air caressed my arms. 

 

            Wind ceased and a soft rain replaced the torrents. Gentle, long waves traveled from shore to shore. 

 

            Like a giant watering can, rain refreshed grass, flowers and trees. The lake level rose. Much needed moisture brought renewal. 

 

            God knows His creation requires sunshine and rain to flourish. In wonder, I watched the shower and marveled at His provision. 

 

            A barrage of news reports begs us to become embroiled in one catastrophe after another which causes fear, anxiety and depression. 

 

            When I spend time with God each morning on my patio, I can forget the pandemic, protests, unrest, bombings and natural disasters for a while. Watching nature intently reminds me that God provides for His creation from tiny bees to me. 

 

            Just as the rain showers and refreshes creation, God’s love and comfort cloaks us with His peace. 

 

Jehovah-Shalom, the provision you give to Your creation includes us. Thank you for the comfort, love and peace we are given. Amen

            

Monday, August 23, 2021

A Stubborn Attitude


 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” says Yahweh. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (WEB)

 

The two-year-old toddler asked for a banana. After a couple of bites, she noticed fresh from the oven cookies. Suddenly, her fruit lost appeal and she asked for a cookie. 

 

            My granddaughter, Ashlyn, who was babysitting for the tyke said, “You can have a cookie when you finish your banana.”

 

            With a quick trip across the kitchen, she threw her banana into the trash can. 

 

            She looked at Ashlyn and said, “Cookie?”

 

            In her mind, the unacceptable situation had been taken care of. Get rid of the banana and get the cookie. 

 

            “She can’t get away with that,” I said. “You have to be firm.” 

 

            Ashlyn agreed as she pulled the fruit from the garbage. It had not touched anything unpleasant because of the peel so we decided it would be safe to eat. 

 

            Even with the banana nearby, the determined tyke continued asking for a cookie. 

 

            Ashlyn repeated, “You can have a cookie when you finish your banana.” 

 

            Back and forth went the same conversation. Finally, we decided on a compromise. If she ate two bites of the remaining banana, she would get her cookie. She did and enjoyed the homemade cookie. 

 

            As we laughed about her stubbornness, I thought about how I have done the same thing when God leads me on a certain path. I want to ignore His instructions and get my own way. I tell Him what I want. He tells me what I must do first. Back and forth we go. Sometimes I continue to plead my case and decide I know best which often brings painful consequences. Other times, I listen and follow His plan with better results. 

 

            Hopefully, I am learning to listen when God leads me and not argue. 

 

            Have you ever had a similar experience?

 

Jehovah Nissi, You can see what lies ahead and where the victory will be. Help me learn to listen and follow your plan and not mine. Amen 

Saturday, August 14, 2021

A Still Voice in the Tumult


For God alone, O my soul wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:5-8 (ESV)

With eyes closed tightly, I prayed for our country as we ended a year of turmoil and faced a new year with more unknown situations. But a constant roar of traffic on the interstate broke into my prayer. Humming from small planes joined the din of traffic. The racket distracted me. 

            Then my focus changed when I noticed more pleasing sounds near me. A chorus of songbirds formed a symphony of charming tunes. Their entertaining melodies pushed the clamor into the background. My mood instantly improved and thankfulness removed distress.            

            At first I only heard the loudest, annoying noises. But when I concentrated, the softer, more pleasant ones soothed me. 

            Month after month, the pandemic brought frightful news. Groups protested. Riots overtook cities. They all wanted to be heard and blared their agendas around the United States and the world. Turmoil overtook normal conversations and the media. 

             One catastrophe hit after another. Outbursts overshadowed reason. Confusion and mayhem became common. 

            Nevertheless, in the midst of chaos, there were acts of kindness. Families discovered more ways to connect. Loved ones grew more precious. 

            We can choose to listen to the destructive voices or search for God’s peace and tranquility in the midst of pandemonium. 

            When I listen, the still, small voice of God rises above the tumult. He offers hope and encouragement in the pandemic and whatever lies ahead. 

Loving Father, speak to us in our distress and confusion. Amen


I wrote this a few months ago but just posted it. 

       

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

 Shattered Pieces

Rebecca Carpenter

August 11, 2021

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

 

Crash! From my office, I hurried to the kitchen to see what caused the sound of breaking glass. Nothing was out of place. 

 

       Then I walked into the living room. A large African basket had fallen from its spot at the top of the entertainment center. It certainly couldn’t make the loud racket. 

 

       As I moved closer to the basket, my foot discovered small, sharp slivers. I noticed white fragments strewn across the wood floor and rug.

 

       The basket hit a decoration that stood on a lower shelf before it plummeted to the floor. A corner of it broke off into pieces too small to repair. While I gathered the ceramic like shards, I realized what had caused the mishap. 

 

       The lady who cleaned my home earlier that day had evidently moved it when she dusted. The circular basket stood upright at the back of the top shelf but must have slowly slipped and then dropped which hit the decoration. 

 

       The broken piece wasn’t as expensive as other favorite items on my shelves. However, it was meaningful to me because of the Scripture on it. 

 

       For a second, I thought of throwing it away as rubbish. Then I realized God gave me a story.

 

       The verse from Philippians 4 gave me comfort when I was stressed. “Be anxious for nothing… 

 

       We can easily slide into situations, relationships, or habits that cause us to fall. Lives can be broken but not beyond repair. Prayer changes things.

 

       Jesus can take pieces of our shattered lives and make something beautiful. 

 

Father, thank you for taking shattered lives and turning them into something magnificent. Amen

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Another Day of Gloom?


“Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

Day after day gloominess overtook the sun. Rain and clouds dominated. The Sunshine State didn’t live up to its appealing name.

            I longed for sunshine sparkling on the lake. Cheerful flowers. Blue sky with fluffy, white clouds dancing across it. But heavy clouds remained. 

            To make matters worse, weather forecasters predicted an approaching hurricane. More rain, wind and storms would hit the state. 

            Thankfully, the hurricane missed us and caused minimal damage in our state.  In spite of the dark days, God prodded me to be thankful. 

            I needed to look for glimmers of light. Weeks earlier drought lowered lakes and wildfires were predicted. Then rain raised bodies of water past normal levels and refreshed the parched earth. Flowers revived. Grass greened up. Ducks splashed in the rain. 

            Bees continued to visit droopy flowers. A mama cardinal plucked worms from soggy ground. Papa stood watch from a low branch. 

            Cypress limbs, heavy with water, swayed in the breezes. A songbird’s tune drifted through the rain. A doe and her two fawns romped on the shore across the lake. 

            When I looked for God in the midst of the dismal weather, a sense of tranquility wrapped me like a warm shawl, providing rest and peace. 

            God often slows us down to relax, learn and prepare us for what lies ahead. Be thankful. Listen for His still, small voice and look for blessings in the trials.  

Heavenly Father, it is easy to complain about life’s difficult circumstances. Help me be thankful and look for You in each situation. Amen

Turbulent Times


God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling…“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11 (WEB)

A never-ending barrage of angry waves crashed on the shore. Dark clouds blocked the sun. Only a few brave souls ventured into the intense winds as the high tide pushed water farther and farther up the beach. 

            Winds died down that evening. Waves calmed. Water receded and exposed more of the beach. Clumps of brown seaweed littered the white sand. I shook my head at the blight on the normally pristine beach. During my evening walk I zigzagged through the slimy mess. 

            At the beginning of my vacation, I loved the beauty of the endless beach. But then turbulent winds churned the water, pulled up unsightly seaweed, and spit it out as refuse.  After the storm, I wanted the tides to retrieve the rubbish and return it to the ocean. 

            Down the beach hundreds of sand pipers scampered to the seaweed and stuck their long beaks into the ugly masses for morsels of food. The birds weren’t afraid of what looked horrible. What appeared to me as an unwelcome blight was beneficial for them. 

            As the pandemic spit out one mess after another on the world, everything seemed terrible and devastating. However, we can lament the shambles left behind or trust God and look for blessings within them. 

Loving Father, we don’t understand all of the chaos and upheaval, but You are not surprised. Help us trust You and show us the blessings in the midst of the messes. Amen 

Monday, July 5, 2021

Surprise from Mutilated Plants


 

But we *do* know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to purpose. Romans 8:28 (Darby)

 

 

Several weeks ago, landscapers trimmed my hedges but also scalped flowers along my patio. I fumed about the damage they did to flowers I had enjoyed each morning when I sat on my patio. I cringed each time I saw the mutilated plants. 

 

            Little by little green leaves covered stubby stems. Buds opened with white, yellow and orange blooms. Bees returned to sample nectar. 

 

            When I ventured outside to pull weeds and carefully prune plants, surprises awaited. Mutilated greenery grew back fuller. Seeds dropped and produced an abundance of new ones. In fact, they overpowered many of those I had planted. 

 

            For an hour, I pulled out excess plants and trimmed back overgrown stems so that smaller plants could thrive. Reluctantly, I admitted that the distressing pruning didn’t cause lasting harm. My annoyed reaction gave way to an appreciation of a more lovely garden. 

 

            Unwelcome pruning comes into lives too. Loved ones pass away. Relationships are severed. Jobs disappear. Comfortable lives fill with uncertainty and pain. Anguish, loneliness and loss follow intense pruning. 

 

            Like my flower garden, the altered life often contains surprises of beauty, joy and growth. What we initially see as complete destruction can be used by God to create an improved masterpiece.  

 

Loving Father, when we feel life is falling apart, you can take the pieces and weave them into something beautiful. Amen

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

The Stately Blue Heron


 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

 

As the sun shimmered across the lake, I gathered supplies for my morning devotional time. With everything in order, I glanced toward the lake. 

 

            A stately blue heron, with his neck in a perfect S, stared at the water. Like a large, gray statue, he stood rooted to the shore. Something in the dark water caught his attention. He tiptoed down the bank without moving his eyes from the spot. 

 

            He waited and waited. Then in slow motion he stretched out his lengthy neck and opened his long, pointed beak. He waited for breakfast.  Surprisingly, he didn’t dip into the water for a tasty treat. 

 

            Instead, he lifted his powerful wings, dragged his legs  in the water like landing gear, and flew across the lake. He didn’t appear disturbed at the change in his plans. 

 

            Just after dawn, I had ridden my bike and formed mental plans for the day. Often, I cram multiple activities into my schedule. Fun, helpful and rewarding but also sometimes tiring. 

 

            The heron reminded me to take time to relax, enjoy nature, and listen for God’s plan.

 

Father, thank you for constantly teaching me through your creation. Show me when to change my plans. Amen. 

 

       

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Another Anniversary


 

Anniversaries bring celebrations. But sometimes tears when loved ones are missing. 

 

            Sixteen years ago, family members from Arizona, California, Indiana, Iowa and Florida gathered to be a part of our small wedding. After years and years of dating, Alan and I wed. Our friend, Jeneba, who made small, tiered cakes for us said she should write on them, “It is about time.” 

 

            As we prepared for the ceremony, I felt like a teenager. Excited to be marrying my special guy. 

 

            When Pastor Gus told us to repeat the vows, my voice broke and happy tears threatened. I pushed and pushed to get Alan’s ring on but couldn’t. Only when he licked it did the ring slid easily. During our time together, he often made me laugh with unexpected actions or words. 

 

            During our first year of marriage, every trip we took was a honeymoon according to Alan. We visited my family in Indiana. Soon after that, we traveled to Namibia on a mission and after I retired, we took our first pilgrimage to Israel. Then we went on a cruise following the journey of Paul in Greece and the surrounding areas. Alan told people it was our honeymoon and flight attendants even gave us special treats. 

 

            Our trips took us to all seven continents on missions and for pleasure. We journeyed by car, bus, train, plane, rickshaw, and boat. Every trip brought adventure and often took me way out of my comfort zone. Alan made me much more adventurous. 

 

            My life had not turned out the way I thought it would be when I married in my 20’s. There were good times but also very difficult ones.  Being a divorced, single parent had not been my plan. But God was with me through it all. 

 

            I adapted to being single and wasn’t looking for another mate. But after Alan and I met at a church dance, we dated exclusively for years. We thought we would grow old together but that dream was shattered with his diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. 

 

            He is constantly on my mind. I miss his jokes, our trips, his handyman skills, and companionship. Although I miss him every day, I am so thankful for the years we shared. 

 

            During his final illness, his faith strengthened and he shared it with our visitors. The way he accepted his passing gave me peace, strength and hope for the future. 

 

            Happy anniversary, Alan. 

Love you. 

 

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Letting Them Go


 

Train up a child [a]in the way he should go,
And even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (ASV)

 

A screened habit on my patio sheltered green, white and black striped caterpillars. Most clung to milkweed stems after they devoured the leaves. 

 

            Several times a day, I checked on them and added more milkweed. Because of their voracious appetites, they left piles of tiny pellets of poop so I also had to constantly clean out the cages to prevent sickness. 

 

            When I began my butterfly hobby during Covid isolation, I had no idea it would become a daily chore. Even with continual tasks of checking outside milkweed plants for eggs, moving caterpillars into the cages, cleaning habits and supplying food, the results were worth the effort. 

 

            Articles on the internet gave me suggestions on how to care for them as I provided safety, food and a clean environment. 

 

            After the caterpillars became large and chubby, they crawled to the top of the cage, hung up-side-down in a U shape and created a green chrysalis around themselves. To finish the process, a gold ring circled each pupa. 

 

            Every day, I checked the cages to see if the pupa darkened because soon after that, a beautiful orange and black Monarch emerged. Every time a butterfly hatched, I marveled at the wonder of God’s creation. 

 

            The fragile creatures were not ready to fly until their wings dried and they exercised for a few hours in the cage. Only when they kept flapping around did I take them outside to be released. If it was raining or windy, we waited. Of course, sometimes they were anxious to get out but didn’t know of the dangers they would face. 

 

            When allowed to leave most of them took off and soared high. Some were hesitant and didn’t want to leave the comfort of the cage. I had to prod them to cling to my finger. Once free from the enclosure, they normally took off. Occasionally, one would refuse to leave even when I placed it close to flowers. 

 

            Unfortunately, a few were hatched with deformed wings or body. There was nothing I could do to fix it which made me sad. They soon died. 

 

            As the Monarchs flew around my yard, I felt like a parent releasing children. All the work to tend them was worth the final outcome. 

 

            Parents spend years nurturing, protecting, training, and loving children to prepare them for the life God has for them. Even though difficult, there comes a time when they must be released to let them soar. 

 

            Although it can be painful, we pray we have accomplished our purpose as we did our best. Even after children leave our home, our job is not done because prayers continue. 

 

Loving Father, you love and nurture parents so they can do the same for their children. Guide us in all that we do. Amen.  

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

A Bright Spot in the Gloom


 

Heavy clouds cast a feeling of melancholy around the lake. It blocked sunlight, subdued colorful flowers, and darkened the lake. 

 

            But despite the dreariness, a trio of bees gathered in my orange and white flowers. Blooms dipped as tiny creatures clung to bell shaped flowers. 

 

            Only a few melodies drifted to my patio as most birds remained quiet in the dismal morning. 

 

            After days of rain and little sunshine, I certainly welcomed some brightness. Then he appeared. A bright figure darted from my oak tree to a nearby cypress. The scarlet cardinal provided a bright spot in the gloom. His color made me smile and reminded me that there are other bright spots. 

 

            With so much despair and horrible problems in our world, it is easy to become enmeshed in hopelessness. Knowing and trusting Jesus gives hope, peace and strength for our difficult times. 

 

            When we know Him, we can become bright spots to give hope and encouragement to those around us who worry and are fearful. 

 

Let not your heart be troubled. believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many]mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3 (ASV)

 

Loving Father, thank you for your promises. Help us trust and follow you so we can share your Word with a desperate world. Amen.  

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Unappreciated Thumbs


 

Throbbing pain interrupted my sleep. During the day, it curtailed my normal routine. 

 

            Each day, my right thumb grew larger as it swelled and the redness increased. Every touch caused more torment. Holding a toothbrush. grasping the steering wheel, or holding a pen brought suffering. Every time I used my right hand pain increased. 

 

            When I used my left hand, chores took me forever or I couldn’t do them at all. Unloading the dishwasher took about three times as long as normal. I couldn’t latch a necklace without the right thumb so gave up. 

 

            I stared at the stubby appendage. Compared to my fingers, my thumb looked like a short, chubby finger banished from the group and stuck on the side. 

 

            In reality, the thumb is vital in grasping firmly and adding stability to each task when cooperating with the fingers. 

 

            As I endured discomfort for several days, I marveled at how pain in a small part of my body affected my life. Consumed me. Restricted daily activities. 

 

            The agony and reduced use of my thumb, humbled me. I thought of people with no thumbs or hands. Those who endured intense suffering every day. My inconvenience was minor compared to their trials. 

 

            A trip to the doctor brought a diagnosis and antibiotics for an infection. I no longer wince each time I touch it and am thankful for the red, swollen digit that works diligently when it is healthy. No longer will I ignore it but appreciate every task it handles. 

 

            At church, in businesses, at schools or wherever people gather, there are those in the spotlight. They receive honors, praise and encouragement. 

 

            However in the background, many people quietly go about their work with little encouragement or rewards. They are vital, like my thumb, but often unappreciated. 

 

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”  On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12:21-27 ESV)

 

Loving Father, show us how to appreciate people in the background who keep things going for those upfront. Thank you for them. Also, thank you for designing our bodies with perfect, but sometimes unnoticed, parts. Amen