May 9th, 2020

Blessing on this Saturday
The various projects we have going on at our home right now serve several functions. One is to keep us from going stir crazy from the extended stay at home instructions.  While I go out to get supplies, having mom in our home keeps us home as much as possible. Another function of the various projects has been to catch up on ideas we had played with over time.  The third function is that it has us working outdoors in the back yard enjoying the beautiful weather we have had lately.  Last night I went to be reflecting on what we had accomplished so far and what the next step would be this morning. As I thought of what we have done so far, my mind turned to Psalm 139:14 [I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.]

What prompted that thought were two of our backyard projects. Allow me to explain. The previous owners left a bench on the hill behind our house. I imagine at one point it was used to sit and enjoy the view backyard area but it the wood on it was old and could no longer hold any weight. I disassembled it and put the somewhat rusty metal parts aside thinking someday I would rebuild it. One of the things we did yesterday was paint the board slats that will be used to rebuild that bench after several years.  Another project was building the frame for a large planter box that will go under the arbor.  The wood for the bench and the wood for the planter came from an old box spring.  When we were trying to figure out the best way to dispose of that box spring, we decided to break it down to make it easier to get rid of. The process included ripping all the cover off. When we did so, we decided that the wood was in great shape and could be used for something in the future. And now it has.  Something that many would have tossed in the garbage will now be used to bring some beauty to our back yard.

That is so much like God has done with us.  Some of us, for various reasons, felt or had been told their worth only made them fit to be tossed away. Yet God saw that there was worth in us and that He could use us to bring beauty to HIs creation. So, when we received Christ, He took us and transformed us from  "ready for the dump" to "something that contributes to His kingdom". Sometimes, because of our age, our health, or other circumstances in our life, we feel as though we have no more to contribute to the world. We think we are like an old box spring ready for the dump. Yet God tells us, "no, I see much in you that can be useful in other ways". Discovering in what new ways we can be used to beautify His creation is a wonderful journey. 

Have a wonderful Saturday,
Vic