Things That Last

Year 6 - Day 187: Today, I am grateful for things that last.

Don't you just love things that last? Things that stand the test of time and still prove useful and worthy the space they take up in a cabinet, a drawer, a closet or on a shelf. Most things deteriorate and lose their usefulness and beauty over time.

Recently, I have been reminded of several things that stand the test of time. There are many more, but these have recently come to my attention.

1. The glass tea sets at church. When washed by hand, they will last for generation after generation. They are tougher than they look. I have a few in my house that are on the "No, we cannot get rid of these." list of protected items in our cabinets. They hold beauty, memories and the promise of being useful again.

2. Handmade quilts. They are not just comforting and filled with memories, they are beautiful. A quilt that is cared for can be passed on for generations. 

3. An old cast iron skillet that is well seasoned and receives proper care. Another item that can be used and passed down from one generation to the next. 

4. The land. A farm is so much more than dirt. It is the blood, sweat and tears of generations. Caring for the land is an honor and a responsibility to protect it for the next generation. The Native American saying rings true, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

5. The answers to life's questions are still found in the living, breathing, sharpening Word of God that is sharper than a two-edged sword. But it is not like an text book where you can turn to the back, find the right page and look up the answers. No. It must be read, re-read, digested and read again. Getting to know the people and their stories helps us to understand God's great love for us. From the Genesis 1 to the last word in Revelation, there is help and hope.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." -Matthew 24:35 

Family Bible's are precious treasures. Today, we tend to have many Bibles it the house. Don't forget to make notes in them. Notes that will last and tell your faith story to the next generation. Mark it with notes such as "Life Verse" or "Wedding Scripture". These details are easily forgotten. Note the life event when a scripture spoke to you as it never had before. Even, when it is "tough stuff". Someday, your children and grandchildren will treasure God's Word even more, because they can see it reflected in your story. 

Our faith legacy is written in the margins of God's own word, for the next generation to know us and to know Him. We can whisper our faith journey... with the trials and the triumphs... and it will echo into generations to come. Our notes and questions will become a part of their faith stories, too. 

Perhaps, as Beth Moore has suggested... we should not think of it as a journey, but as a quest. We can be Indiana Jones seeking the mysteries of the Almighty. There are many gems to be uncovered for those who actively pursue him. Quest is a great word!

Today, I am grateful for things that last.