Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

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Reflect

COLLECTOR

For over 45 years I have been a “collector”, not a “hoarder.” Following the death of our 18-month-old daughter in a swimming pool accident in 1973, I have collected a loose-leaf notebook that is now full with a lot of yellowed pages. It contains poetry, some of mine, and others that have been sent to me or caught my interest as I read. There are funeral notices, wedding announcements, sayings, some serious and others not, tributes, advice, warnings and others. Everything from the uses of collard greens to cranberry wine. (My church has not accepted the latter to be used for communion yet.) I don’t have space enough to describe what my wood working shop looks like.

I find that when I am a little sad or worried, I can pick up the notebook from my bedside chest and find something that will make me feel better. This certainly doesn’t take the place of what is found in the scriptures in my Bible, but often is another way to express those eternal truths.

In Psalm 138:7 we are told that, “Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them.” Where do you turn with the problems and troubles you are faced with each day? I think you know the answer to that question.

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Pray

Lord, help us to keep our eyes on you in good times and bad and know that we will find the answers.

Go with God!