Trust the Engineer

Year 8-Day 211: Today, I am grateful for we can trust the engineer.

If you have joined "Daily Gratitude" for any length of time, you know Corrie Ten Boom and Elisabeth Elliot are two of my favorite ladies from history. Both have a capacity for love and forgiveness that leave me in awe. They are wonder women in my opinion. They lived with a grace, strength, courage, faith and hope that illuminated the most tragic of life events.

Both of these ladies had allowed the Holy Spirit to do such a work in their hearts and lives that they were rewired with compassion and gentleness, where most would have responded with hate and vengeance. The world needs more people like Corrie Ten Boom and Elisabeth Elliot.

This quote always reminds me to never give up. Today's sorrows may open the door to tomorrow's joys. We can be hopeful. 

"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." -Corrie Ten Boom 

Life will not always make sense. Trials come and they go. Where we place our trust and how we spend our strength helps us to know where our trust lies. 

"I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” -Isaiah 49:4

When darkness falls, we can know it is temporary. 

Today, I am grateful for we can trust the engineer.

Shade of Blue

Year 8-Day 210: Today, I am grateful for shades of blue.

Turquoise and Caribbean blues are my favorites... and periwinkle if you count it as a "blue" and not in the "purple" family. Shades of blue add so much personality to our world. In the blue hues we find calm and joy... oceans and evening skies. In the blues, there are cornflowers and the blue spruce, too. 

Everyone loves blue jeans... in indigo and sun washed shades. The number of shades of blue seem almost countless. 

When summer is in full bloom, as it is here in the Midwest, the many different shades of blue are everywhere. A sunny blue sky with fluffy, white clouds dabbled on the horizon create what most of us would define as the perfect summer sky. You know the shade I am talking about, right? 

What would America be without the Red, the White and the Blue? The blue in the American Flag represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. A military honor guard in dress blues always looks distinguished and dapper. Their presence evokes a sense of respect at the graves of fallen comrades in arms. Yes, blues certainly can be associated with emotions... and even singing the blues. 

God directed craftsmen to use blue along with red and purple for sacred and holy garments and spaces. The "Most Holy Place" in the temple was a place was so filled with God's presence that only the priests could enter and it was only after sincere preparation and soul searching. 

Across the entrance of the Most Holy Place he hung a curtain made of fine linen, decorated with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and embroidered with figures of cherubim.-2 Chronicles 3:14

In the Old Testament, Priests wore symbolic blue ephods over white tunics, as God had directed in the scriptures. It answered the age old question of "what to wear"? They wore symbolic clothing to enter into God's presence to help them remember who HE is, as they were prone to forget. 

We can't leave out the fabulous Cubbie Blue of the Chicago Cubs. Again, that blue stands out in a crowd and separates us from the Cardinal fans. 

We have a nephew who serves as a police officer... Rob... we are grateful for your courage, compassion and integrity as you stand as a part of the thin, blue line. 

Today, I am grateful for shades of blue.

Dandelions

Year 8-Day 209: Today, I am grateful for dandelions. 

Dandelions are typically the first "bouquet" a child ever gives as a gift. The bright yellow blooms are quite happy as they sprinkle the lawn. When they go to seed, they become endless wishes blown in the wind. They cause distress for those who long for a perfectly manicured lawn, but I prefer to think they add a little whimsy to the landscape. 

Several years ago, a sweet little man used to pick me dandelions and bring them to church as a gift. He never failed to melt my heart. Dandelions still make me think of Hayden, bringing a smile to my heart. 

Dandelions are in a symbiotic relationship with honey bees. Dandelions are not perfect bee food, but they are good food and readily available. That makes them valuable. Some say the difference between a flower and a weed is perspective. 

"Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you." -Matthew 6:28-30

He will certainly care for you. We can trust his hand and his heart.

Sometimes, we need a change of perspective to see more clearly. 

Today, I am grateful for dandelions. 

Colanders

Year 8-Day 208: Today, I am grateful for my faithful, old colanders.


My green Tupperware colanders I am fairly sure came from Mama's kitchen surplus or a garage sale. I use the small one almost daily. So many meals require draining and straining. Rice, veggies, produce, pasta and beans almost always require pulling out the colander. 

These kitchen tools hold some sentimental value but they are also very practical. The colander... or strainer as we often call it... allows us to wash, sort and sift out the good from the bad. It is the tool we use to drain the boiling water safely from pasta or vegetables without getting burned. The value of this kitchen tool goes far beyond the cost of the item. It is one of those humble tools that I would be lost without. You have to cleanse, drain and separate the good from the bad when making a meal. 

It made me think about the sifting of the saints. This scripture matched up well:

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”-Luke 22:31-32

These are the words Jesus spoke at the last supper. What jumped out today was that Satan had asked Jesus to sift the twelve like wheat, but Jesus went as their advocate before the Father. He wanted to protect them from Satan's schemes and evil ways. Jesus pleaded in prayer for their strength when human free will was called into play. 

Simon Peter didn't perfectly pass the test, but in his brokenness, he found forgiveness and mercy so he could encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ when they were being sifted. Jesus prayers were answered. 

Through Peter, Christ would build His church. Peter was the first to really acknowledge that Jesus was the Son of the Living God. That was huge. Peter was the one willing to get out of the boat in the storm to walk on the water. Peter fished all night catching nothing, but when Jesus told him to get the nets out and cast them on the other side of the boat, Peter replied, "Because you say so, I will." Peter was obedient to the voice of the Lord. 

I do love perfectly imperfect Peter. His life is a constant exercise in sifting. He sifted for truth. He sifted through believers to find those who would be teachers, preachers and support for the ministry. He sifted through the laws and uncovered spaces for grace and mercy around issues in the church like circumcision. He used Jesus teachings, His example, the scriptures and the Holy Spirit to help him sift through the challenges of a quickly growing church. 

Who knew an old colander could hold so much inspiration? 

Today, I am grateful for my faithful, old colanders.

Lessons From The Ocean

Year 8-Day 207: Today, I am grateful for lessons from the ocean. 

"Be like the ocean. Breathtaking to look at, strong enough to not be destroyed, and gentle enough so other find comfort in your presence." 

There is a wisdom in nature that reflects our creator. 

The oceans show magnificent strength, but submit to the sand when kissing the shore. 

The coastline is breathtaking. The scent of the sea and sand evoke a sense of peace and calm. My soul finds contentment. Troubles seem to wash away.

How can something so full of power make us feel so calm and content? He directed the waters to call forth the dry ground. 

"Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good." -Genesis 1:9-10

When finished, God knew it was good. Very good. Yes, nature reflects His majesty. 

Perhaps that is why we find a unique peace and strength at the beach. 

Today, I am grateful for lessons from the ocean. 

Faulty Reflections

Year 8-Day 206: Today, I am grateful for faulty reflections.

What is a  faulty reflection? Look at this quote:

"What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?" 

It is so easy to see the shortcomings in others that are similar to the ones we see reflected in our own mirrors. We are often without mercy for the very people who, in reality, are more like us than we would like to admit. 

I learned this in parenting and watching other parent. The child that most resembles us faces a tougher parenting regime. We can almost read their minds. We want them to avoid our mistakes. We have to remember that each of us has to make our own mistakes to really learn. 

Who are the other people around us that share our faults? Are we patient with them? Do we show grace, mercy and forgiveness? 

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." - Ephesians 4:2

Be humble and gentle. Love others... with all of their imperfections... because Christ loved us. We are perfectly imperfect, but his love love is deep and wide.

Today, I am grateful for faulty reflections.

Family Reunions

Year 8-Day 205: Today, I am grateful for family reunions.

Family reunions are a way to reflect on the past, embrace the present and look to the future. My dear cousin Molly found this gem of a picture today and posted it. Thanks Molly! It is almost a complete family picture at that point in time. (Kathleen, Uncle Bob and Uncle Dick are missing.) I love this so much. 

My Great-Grandparents lived a long time. You can see them in the second row on the right. My Grandpa Bess (in all brown) was their only child. He certainly blessed them with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I'm feeling a little old because I can identify everyone in the photograph... including Uncle Dave who is behind my Dad and Uncle Lee who is behind me holding a very unhappy Parrish. 

Someday, our kids will struggle to name all the family in this picture. Still, photographs like this remind us of the importance of gathering together. I know a good time was had by all. It was always good to gather together. This is family... as I remember it... growing up.

When we have been restricted from gathering for so long, this kind of photo is a reminder to not take any gathering for granted. 34 family members in this picture. 35 if you count Molly in the womb. The family has certainly grown since this picture. 

"

Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay."

-1 Peter 4:9

These are the people who shared our homes, our meals and acted as our caregivers when Mom and Dad needed babysitters. We took care of each other. We shared many meals and overnight adventures. 

We really do start and end with family. It is good when family gathers... and someone takes a picture. 

Today, I am grateful for family reunions.