Heading back home from vacation has been hard for me since Autry’s home going. I always enjoy visiting the kids and their families; the activity, the fun, the noise, the conversations. And then I walk into a very quiet home–no one to greet me–no one to hug–no one to share with. Pity party time? I suppose so; but I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels the same way.
While touring the Scranton, PA Aquarium with family, the following conversation transpired as we stood admiring all the different colors of the fish in one particular tank; and as my “almost 2 year old great grandson” was trying to stand up on the seat in his stroller:
The other day when I was listening to some Christian music the song, “I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin came on. I still have a hard time listening to that song without shedding some tears, as that was played at Autry’s funeral. But the words are beautiful and so encouraging.
Some time ago I saw this saying: “Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.” Isn’t that the truth? An artist can correct any mistake or make changes to his portrait by painting over it. As much as we’d like to erase some unfortunate events in our lives or change an outcome, we can’t do it, can we? There’s no erasing, there’s no going back, there’s no changing. We have to live with the consequences. So shouldn’t we be careful how we live every day of our lives? Shouldn’t our lives be lived in a way that will be pleasing to the Lord and bring Him glory in all we do? We need to let Him order our steps, direct our paths and fill us with His spirit.
Recently I saw a sign with words on it we often used when we were kids: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Yes, we may have said them as children, or someone said them to us; but didn’t those names really hurt us? No, not physically (couldn’t break our bones) but certainly could break our spirit, and make us feel unloved.
Do you ever just randomly open your Bible because you are in a hurry or you just don’t know what to read? Perhaps you hope the Lord will show you something special by just opening anywhere. I have to admit I have done that.
Years ago a dear lady in one of our churches cross stitched this verse and framed it for us. Every time I look at it, the message still speaks to my heart. We all are as different as there are different varieties of trees. Not one produces the same as another and yet each one can produce if it is nurtured well. Trees growing by rivers of water will surely bring forth fruit.
In this world we live in we certainly long for peace. But Satan has a way of playing mind games with us and taking away our joy and peace. Reread the verse. It is a promise but with a condition. Yes, we can have peace, but our mind must be stayed (focused) on the Lord Jesus Christ.