“Do you know what I like most about Haven of Hope?” Susan asked as we sat talking around the table. And when we all sat silently, wondering what it could be, she continued, “I’m safe here.”
Susan had been adopted at seven years of age into a loving family, at least she thought it was a loving family. Soon the new wore off, and she started showing the almost certain behavior of a child who grew up in the streets. Then until Susan was fourteen she lived with physical, verbal, and sexual abuse from her parents.
Susan’s biological father and older brother were in prison most of her life, and her mom worked as a bartender. She told of her and her three younger siblings going to the bar to get money for food. And she talked about stealing to survive. Then eventually how the state took them, split them up, and adopted them out. You could hear the heartache in Susan’s voice as she told us she had no idea where any of her siblings were except the brother in prison, and one sister. She talked about how her dad died in prison from hepatitis–C, and of her mom being in prison. Though there were tears in my eyes, and the eyes of the other girls Susan never shed a tear.
At church we started noticing that Susan’s face was set like a mask when the Pastor talked about the love God has for His children. At times when tears streamed down the cheeks of all around, her eyes were dry. It seemed that because of the relationship she had with the two father figures in her life, Susan didn’t know how to respond to our ‘Heavenly Father’s Love’. Susan never let down her guard during the time she was with us. But our time, love, and energy weren’t wasted.
My heart was touched by how wholeheartedly Susan responded to any gesture of love. If I bought anything for all the girls, her appreciation was evident, and she was quick to thank me. Susan’s eyes would light with joy at a pat on the shoulder a smile, or word of approval. She was starved for love.
Haven of Hope is a short term home for teen girls with emotional and/or behavior problems. So when Susan’s time was up she had to leave. It hurt to see her go because we hadn’t seen the breakthrough with her we wished to see. But we stay in touch and remind Susan of our love, and most importantly of God’s love for her. We may have planted the seeds and not seen the harvest. But God will send another to water, and possibly someone else to reap. It will be a joyful day when we hear as we expect to one day of Susan finding the love she has searched for.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
'Sweet Revenge?'
Who said ‘Revenge is sweet?’ It’s a phrase I’ve heard most of my life. But how much truth is found there? It feels good to pay one back who has done you wrong. But, does it take away the pain? From my experiences I say it doesn’t. Actually it only adds to the torment in your mind.
Getting even, as we say, feels good at the moment. But, when looking back on my life, the revenge I dished out then, leaves no joy in my mind today, only guilt, regret, and shame. But, it is done and can’t be taken back. I can only learn from the past and move on.
The desire for revenge on the guilty consumed my mind till there was no thought for the innocent I hurt. It reminds me of the statement by Martin Luther King Jr., “That old law, ‘An eye for an eye’ leaves everyone blind.” It’s like the feud between the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s. There is always a payment due the opposite clan for the wrong they did your own.
In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy, but in passing it over, he is superior. (Francis Bacon) It is an awesome thing to know God’s grace and forgiveness for past wrongs you have done. But, there are scars on the hearts of others they will never forget. I hope the one’s I’ve hurt have a portion of the grace and forgiveness God has given, and can forgive me as well.
Things we’ve done for revenge in years past scream for their own revenge today. Yes, any revenge returned would be deserved- but the true joy we search for isn’t found there, it is only discovered through forgiveness.
‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay’, said the Lord. Romans 12:19
‘Vengeance belonged unto me, I will recompense…’ Hebrews 10:30
So if we take vengeance into our own hands are we trying to do God’s task? Are we placing ourselves above Him?
Getting even, as we say, feels good at the moment. But, when looking back on my life, the revenge I dished out then, leaves no joy in my mind today, only guilt, regret, and shame. But, it is done and can’t be taken back. I can only learn from the past and move on.
The desire for revenge on the guilty consumed my mind till there was no thought for the innocent I hurt. It reminds me of the statement by Martin Luther King Jr., “That old law, ‘An eye for an eye’ leaves everyone blind.” It’s like the feud between the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s. There is always a payment due the opposite clan for the wrong they did your own.
In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy, but in passing it over, he is superior. (Francis Bacon) It is an awesome thing to know God’s grace and forgiveness for past wrongs you have done. But, there are scars on the hearts of others they will never forget. I hope the one’s I’ve hurt have a portion of the grace and forgiveness God has given, and can forgive me as well.
Things we’ve done for revenge in years past scream for their own revenge today. Yes, any revenge returned would be deserved- but the true joy we search for isn’t found there, it is only discovered through forgiveness.
‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay’, said the Lord. Romans 12:19
‘Vengeance belonged unto me, I will recompense…’ Hebrews 10:30
So if we take vengeance into our own hands are we trying to do God’s task? Are we placing ourselves above Him?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Toponyms/An Item Of Interest I Found Today
When trying to find if there is a place in all fifty states of the USA, I found something of interest at about.com (Geography). They found no toponym in all fifty states the same. Riverside is the most used, found in 46 states.It is followed by; Centerville-45, Fairview-43, Franklin-42,Midway-40, Fairfield-39, Pleasant Valley-39, Troy-39, Liberty-38, Union-38, and Springfield-35.
I have wondered about this tidbit of info and decided to check it out today.
I have wondered about this tidbit of info and decided to check it out today.
'A Clipping From A Newspaper'
Many divorcing parents could learn from Judge Haas...
"Your children come into this world because of the two of you. Perhaps you two made lousy choices as to who you decided to be the other parent. If so, that is YOUR problem and YOUR fault.
No matter what you think of the other party-or what your family thinks of the other party-those children are one half each of you. Remember that, because every time you tell your child what an idiot his father is, or what a fool his mother is, or how bad the absent parent is, or what terrible things that person has done, you are telling the child that half of HIM is bad.
That is an unforgiveable thing to do to a child. That is not love; it is possession. If you do that to your children, you will destroy them as surely as if you had cut them into pieces, because that is what you are doing to their emotions.
I sincerely hope you don't do that to your children. Think more about your children and less of yourselves, and make yours a selfless kind of love, not foolish and selfish, or they will suffer."
"Your children come into this world because of the two of you. Perhaps you two made lousy choices as to who you decided to be the other parent. If so, that is YOUR problem and YOUR fault.
No matter what you think of the other party-or what your family thinks of the other party-those children are one half each of you. Remember that, because every time you tell your child what an idiot his father is, or what a fool his mother is, or how bad the absent parent is, or what terrible things that person has done, you are telling the child that half of HIM is bad.
That is an unforgiveable thing to do to a child. That is not love; it is possession. If you do that to your children, you will destroy them as surely as if you had cut them into pieces, because that is what you are doing to their emotions.
I sincerely hope you don't do that to your children. Think more about your children and less of yourselves, and make yours a selfless kind of love, not foolish and selfish, or they will suffer."
Thursday, July 15, 2010
'Why The Storm?'
In Job thirty-seven I read where God causes the lightning, thunder, snow, rain, frost, fog, and whirlwind. He causes the cloudy days, and the sunshine, and He wants all men to know His work.
Why does God change the weather? Is it only on a whim, or is there a purpose?
Verse thirteen says He causes the weather changes to come …“whether for correction, or for His land, or for mercy.” Then verse thirty-seven says, …”We cannot find Him out.”
Is it our nature to try to decide why God sent the storm our way? Is it only I who am not content with the situation I find myself in?
When the deal fell through on the house which was sold, I questioned, “Why?” Though it is God’s will for me to be content I strive against His will. No, not verbally, but in my spirit I’m overwhelmed and fearful. But in Job 33:13 it says, “… He giveth not account of any of His matters.” He doesn’t tell me why it was sunny today, nor why it was chilly and rainy last week. He didn’t ask my permission before He sent the hurricane raging across the ocean which gradually dissipated over the land. Neither did He explain why He allowed the people to not get the loan to buy the house. But, He did it for a purpose.
Nahum 1:3 says, “ … The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.” Instead of thinking, “God is nowhere near!” when I’m in the middle of a storm, how would it boost my morale if I see things differently? What if I look at the dark clouds raging over my head and think of how close He is in my storm? After all, the clouds are the dust from His feet! How could I think God doesn’t hear me or speak to me when the lightning streaks across the sky and the thunder rumbles, and claps? Job said, “He thundered with the voice of His ‘Excellency.’ So when the thunder startles me by rumbling and cracking around me if I realize it is …”The voice of HIS EXCELLENCY“, I know He is listening and speaking to me.
In Mark 4:36-39 the disciples were in the ship and a storm came up. They were frightened because of it’s severity. Then Jesus spoke to the storm and it ceased. He sent the storm, then calmed it.
In Job 38:8-10 Job told of searching everywhere to find God with no luck. He even said he looked in front, behind, on the left, and right, but couldn’t see God. Though according to verse nine, Job looked on the left, “… Where God doth work.” He saw the clouds in his storm, but wasn’t realizing that the clouds indicated that God was near. He was so overwhelmed by his affliction he didn’t see God in them. (Of course he stood firm in his trust of God which isn’t easy to do when you don’t see Him.) We look at the Scripture and read the reason for Job’s storm. But, when he was living through it, he could see none.
We look at other’s and based on what we see or sense about them decide why God is sending the storm their way. If we see their faults we decide it is for correction, and if we see none, it is to show them His glory. But, we should remember, “God looks on the heart.” How many times have we been surprised to see what was really in someone’s heart that was undetected? Actually, how many times have we been surprised at what was buried in our own heart? Only God knows our hearts, and sometimes it takes a storm to reveal it to us so we can clean it out.
Another story we have heard was of David and Bathsheba, and how God took their infant son. We’ve read how God did that to draw David back from the wrong he had done. God knew David’s heart was ‘FULLY DEVOTED” to Him in spite of his failures. (I Kings 11”4) Knowing what we know about David, we would not have believed “he had a heart after God.”
We know that rain, storms, the clouds, and every type of weather has it’s purpose. It causes our world to be balanced and to produce what is needed to continue producing.
When we face the storm our character can grow more like Christ, or we can strive against the storm and not grow at all in character. Then we likely have to face that one again. How many times have I brought more storms into my life because of my strong will? How often has He been near to see me through the storm I faced and I was so busy fighting tooth and nail resisting the storm that I had no clue?
Why does God change the weather? Is it only on a whim, or is there a purpose?
Verse thirteen says He causes the weather changes to come …“whether for correction, or for His land, or for mercy.” Then verse thirty-seven says, …”We cannot find Him out.”
Is it our nature to try to decide why God sent the storm our way? Is it only I who am not content with the situation I find myself in?
When the deal fell through on the house which was sold, I questioned, “Why?” Though it is God’s will for me to be content I strive against His will. No, not verbally, but in my spirit I’m overwhelmed and fearful. But in Job 33:13 it says, “… He giveth not account of any of His matters.” He doesn’t tell me why it was sunny today, nor why it was chilly and rainy last week. He didn’t ask my permission before He sent the hurricane raging across the ocean which gradually dissipated over the land. Neither did He explain why He allowed the people to not get the loan to buy the house. But, He did it for a purpose.
Nahum 1:3 says, “ … The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.” Instead of thinking, “God is nowhere near!” when I’m in the middle of a storm, how would it boost my morale if I see things differently? What if I look at the dark clouds raging over my head and think of how close He is in my storm? After all, the clouds are the dust from His feet! How could I think God doesn’t hear me or speak to me when the lightning streaks across the sky and the thunder rumbles, and claps? Job said, “He thundered with the voice of His ‘Excellency.’ So when the thunder startles me by rumbling and cracking around me if I realize it is …”The voice of HIS EXCELLENCY“, I know He is listening and speaking to me.
In Mark 4:36-39 the disciples were in the ship and a storm came up. They were frightened because of it’s severity. Then Jesus spoke to the storm and it ceased. He sent the storm, then calmed it.
In Job 38:8-10 Job told of searching everywhere to find God with no luck. He even said he looked in front, behind, on the left, and right, but couldn’t see God. Though according to verse nine, Job looked on the left, “… Where God doth work.” He saw the clouds in his storm, but wasn’t realizing that the clouds indicated that God was near. He was so overwhelmed by his affliction he didn’t see God in them. (Of course he stood firm in his trust of God which isn’t easy to do when you don’t see Him.) We look at the Scripture and read the reason for Job’s storm. But, when he was living through it, he could see none.
We look at other’s and based on what we see or sense about them decide why God is sending the storm their way. If we see their faults we decide it is for correction, and if we see none, it is to show them His glory. But, we should remember, “God looks on the heart.” How many times have we been surprised to see what was really in someone’s heart that was undetected? Actually, how many times have we been surprised at what was buried in our own heart? Only God knows our hearts, and sometimes it takes a storm to reveal it to us so we can clean it out.
Another story we have heard was of David and Bathsheba, and how God took their infant son. We’ve read how God did that to draw David back from the wrong he had done. God knew David’s heart was ‘FULLY DEVOTED” to Him in spite of his failures. (I Kings 11”4) Knowing what we know about David, we would not have believed “he had a heart after God.”
We know that rain, storms, the clouds, and every type of weather has it’s purpose. It causes our world to be balanced and to produce what is needed to continue producing.
When we face the storm our character can grow more like Christ, or we can strive against the storm and not grow at all in character. Then we likely have to face that one again. How many times have I brought more storms into my life because of my strong will? How often has He been near to see me through the storm I faced and I was so busy fighting tooth and nail resisting the storm that I had no clue?
'9/11'
In shock we sat, with mouth agape,
And watched the towers fall.
The feelings, we later could talk about.
But, while watching, couldn't speak at all.
The look of terror on their faces,
As they ran from the danger,
Will long live in our memories.
'Was this caused by a stranger?'
When the dust had settled,
And the workers began, to dig under the rubble,
They found that most did not survive.
Anger built as we asked,'Who caused this trouble?'
Persistently they worked for weeks,
And grasped for each small hope.
Though they thought, 'No one could still live.'
They struggled with jackhammer, light and rope.
Though exhausted from the tiring work,
Of trying to find another,
The men and women, would not give up.
They were searching for their brother.
The majority didn't make it.
The rescuers struggled, in vain, for them.
And for the few, who were rescued,
Their lives seemed, 'Oh so grim.'
Tired, dirty, and with urgency,
The workers labored on.
Because another voice, another heartbeat,
Was crying out with each dawn.
No, the multitude didn't make it.
But, there was joy with each new sun,
When through the blood, sweat and tears,
They managed to save another one.
They thought we'd cower in terror,
And be putty in their hands.
What a shock it must have been for them,
When for liberty, 'WE DID STAND!'
Many died, and the one's who survived,
Are still healing from the pain.
But, we refuse to sit idly by,
While they just strike again.
Though strike again they have.
And more lives have been scarred.
We'll not only, 'FIGHT FOR FREEDOM!'
We will also, 'BE ON GUARD!'
And watched the towers fall.
The feelings, we later could talk about.
But, while watching, couldn't speak at all.
The look of terror on their faces,
As they ran from the danger,
Will long live in our memories.
'Was this caused by a stranger?'
When the dust had settled,
And the workers began, to dig under the rubble,
They found that most did not survive.
Anger built as we asked,'Who caused this trouble?'
Persistently they worked for weeks,
And grasped for each small hope.
Though they thought, 'No one could still live.'
They struggled with jackhammer, light and rope.
Though exhausted from the tiring work,
Of trying to find another,
The men and women, would not give up.
They were searching for their brother.
The majority didn't make it.
The rescuers struggled, in vain, for them.
And for the few, who were rescued,
Their lives seemed, 'Oh so grim.'
Tired, dirty, and with urgency,
The workers labored on.
Because another voice, another heartbeat,
Was crying out with each dawn.
No, the multitude didn't make it.
But, there was joy with each new sun,
When through the blood, sweat and tears,
They managed to save another one.
They thought we'd cower in terror,
And be putty in their hands.
What a shock it must have been for them,
When for liberty, 'WE DID STAND!'
Many died, and the one's who survived,
Are still healing from the pain.
But, we refuse to sit idly by,
While they just strike again.
Though strike again they have.
And more lives have been scarred.
We'll not only, 'FIGHT FOR FREEDOM!'
We will also, 'BE ON GUARD!'
'God's Child'
Through the miracle of God's design,
You were given to me, to raise to be like Him.
The task was overwhelming in my mind.
Giving you back to God was not a whim.
It's great that He left you with me for a while.
Though I strove to be the greatest Mom, I failed.
If it was dependent on what I'd done, I could not smile.
But through His grace, He's shaping you still.
Each year I see your character changing more.
The rough edges are still being chipped away.
In your mind you've often wondered, "What for?"
But, God sees the diamond within the clay.
Though I've been thrilled to claim you as 'my own'.
In all truth that statement's not quite right.
But, He will never leave you nor let you down.
Because you're 'His child', you're His 'hearts delight'.
To Dayna and Darlene
From Mom
You were given to me, to raise to be like Him.
The task was overwhelming in my mind.
Giving you back to God was not a whim.
It's great that He left you with me for a while.
Though I strove to be the greatest Mom, I failed.
If it was dependent on what I'd done, I could not smile.
But through His grace, He's shaping you still.
Each year I see your character changing more.
The rough edges are still being chipped away.
In your mind you've often wondered, "What for?"
But, God sees the diamond within the clay.
Though I've been thrilled to claim you as 'my own'.
In all truth that statement's not quite right.
But, He will never leave you nor let you down.
Because you're 'His child', you're His 'hearts delight'.
To Dayna and Darlene
From Mom
'I Wonder What She Dreamed For You!'
‘I Wonder What She Dreamed For You!’
You talk about the scars that were given you by your Mother, with anger, hurt and rejection in your eyes. It is easy to despise one who would do that to her child. Surely she didn’t plan to be that way before you were born. I wonder what she dreamed for you! What took those dreams away? And, what led her down the path she took?
Did your Mother smile with pride the first time she saw you on the sonogram and dream of the day you would lie in her arms?
Did your Mother think while holding your tiny hand about asking God to guide her as she guided you?
Did your Mother look into your eyes with tears of joy, and promise to love and lead you down the right path?
Did your Mother’s heart hold big dreams of the person you would become, and the things you would do? And did she dream of leading, inspiring, and encouraging you to fulfill those dreams?
Did your Mother dream of teaching you to love God? Did she dream of you growing into a person of strong character? Did she dream of a great relationship with you? Then, what took those dreams away?
Was heartache the reason your Mother buried her dreams? Or was it trauma, abuse, or despair? Did fear, confusion, or the mere hopelessness of those dreams in her mind, cause her to find solace in other things? Did drugs or alcohol dull her senses so much they became the only important thing in her life? Are they the culprit that caused her to forget those dreams? Then when their effect wore off did she re-medicate to forget the guilt over the heartache and scars she was causing you? I wonder what she dreamed for you, and what took those dreams away?
You talk about the scars that were given you by your Mother, with anger, hurt and rejection in your eyes. It is easy to despise one who would do that to her child. Surely she didn’t plan to be that way before you were born. I wonder what she dreamed for you! What took those dreams away? And, what led her down the path she took?
Did your Mother smile with pride the first time she saw you on the sonogram and dream of the day you would lie in her arms?
Did your Mother think while holding your tiny hand about asking God to guide her as she guided you?
Did your Mother look into your eyes with tears of joy, and promise to love and lead you down the right path?
Did your Mother’s heart hold big dreams of the person you would become, and the things you would do? And did she dream of leading, inspiring, and encouraging you to fulfill those dreams?
Did your Mother dream of teaching you to love God? Did she dream of you growing into a person of strong character? Did she dream of a great relationship with you? Then, what took those dreams away?
Was heartache the reason your Mother buried her dreams? Or was it trauma, abuse, or despair? Did fear, confusion, or the mere hopelessness of those dreams in her mind, cause her to find solace in other things? Did drugs or alcohol dull her senses so much they became the only important thing in her life? Are they the culprit that caused her to forget those dreams? Then when their effect wore off did she re-medicate to forget the guilt over the heartache and scars she was causing you? I wonder what she dreamed for you, and what took those dreams away?
Friday, July 9, 2010
Joel's Story
“Where did you get the money to buy all of that?” I asked Joel. (Not his real name) He appeared to be so proud to have spent his money for other children. He replied, “Oh, Grandma gave it to me.” Of course, I reminded him that he had spent all of the money Grandma gave him, except seven cents. Then he expressed hostility, belligerence, and maintaining that he had not stolen again. Later this was followed by an admission of guilt, though there seemed to be no remorse-only resentment and anger. Joel apologized to the children only from duty, but, still remained sullen and brusque. He even remained aloof after returning home.
Joel’s voice quivered a little as he read aloud from Psalm 51 near bedtime. After he completed the chapter I talked to him about how God forgave David for murder as well as other sins. I reminded him that David’s sin, my sin, or his own sin doesn’t stop God from loving us. And we discussed that admitting our sin and turning from it brings God’s forgiveness. And we talked how that murder seems so much worse to us than stealing. But, in God’s eyes they are both sin, and both can be forgiven. Then Joel said, “I guess I will just always steal, because I can’t quit.”
Tears flowed unchecked down Joel’s cheeks as well as my own as he told me that the stealing started when he was seven years old. He told of having scars from the abuse he suffered through his younger years. The hurt was visible in his face as he relived those experiences. The stealing started as a way of expressing the anguish of feeling unloved and rejected, but had taken over his life until he doesn’t control it anymore, it controls him.
The admission from Joel of his inability to stop stealing brought tears to my eyes, and joy to my heart. Why the joy? Because when we can admit our helplessness, then God can start working His miracle of change in us that His word talks about in Philippians 1:6. This miracle has begun in Joel’s heart. And I believe we will see the progress as he grows in Christ.
It’s an awesome thing to be a part of God performing or completing the good work He began in a child’s life. And though Joel doesn’t know what his future holds. He is learning that being imperfect doesn’t mean being unloved by God. And, that regardless of what background we come from, we can change. I'm thankful to be a small part of helping Joel and other children to grow into the men and women who will carry the torch that was lit by Bro. Montgomery in 1953 when Tupelo Children’s Mansion was started.
Joel’s voice quivered a little as he read aloud from Psalm 51 near bedtime. After he completed the chapter I talked to him about how God forgave David for murder as well as other sins. I reminded him that David’s sin, my sin, or his own sin doesn’t stop God from loving us. And we discussed that admitting our sin and turning from it brings God’s forgiveness. And we talked how that murder seems so much worse to us than stealing. But, in God’s eyes they are both sin, and both can be forgiven. Then Joel said, “I guess I will just always steal, because I can’t quit.”
Tears flowed unchecked down Joel’s cheeks as well as my own as he told me that the stealing started when he was seven years old. He told of having scars from the abuse he suffered through his younger years. The hurt was visible in his face as he relived those experiences. The stealing started as a way of expressing the anguish of feeling unloved and rejected, but had taken over his life until he doesn’t control it anymore, it controls him.
The admission from Joel of his inability to stop stealing brought tears to my eyes, and joy to my heart. Why the joy? Because when we can admit our helplessness, then God can start working His miracle of change in us that His word talks about in Philippians 1:6. This miracle has begun in Joel’s heart. And I believe we will see the progress as he grows in Christ.
It’s an awesome thing to be a part of God performing or completing the good work He began in a child’s life. And though Joel doesn’t know what his future holds. He is learning that being imperfect doesn’t mean being unloved by God. And, that regardless of what background we come from, we can change. I'm thankful to be a small part of helping Joel and other children to grow into the men and women who will carry the torch that was lit by Bro. Montgomery in 1953 when Tupelo Children’s Mansion was started.
The Tarnished Vase
(A reflection of time invested into Haven of Hope Girls)
The brilliance of the light reflecting from the vase is astounding. How can such beauty come from so small an area? How can something so tarnished and pitted reflect so much of the light? You can see the full image of the sparkling chandelier. This can’t be!
The vase is still covered with tarnish except the minute area where I have rubbed! Something so marred can’t reflect the image of the source of light! But it does! The excitement is overwhelming when I see that so much beauty comes from so small a spot! I must put more energy into polishing, so more beauty can be reflected.
As I pick up the cloth and reach for the polish, my eyes are drawn to my hands. They are tired, though they have accomplished so little. How can I keep rubbing? What if the pitted areas are too deep? Is there a better way to get rid of the tarnish? What if I’m not gentle enough? Could I do more damage while trying to rub away the fingerprints left by some careless people or person from the past? I have no answers, only a compulsion to keep at the task I have begun. I can’t quit, at least not yet. Whether the vase can be restored to its former beauty is a question only time can answer. But I must keep polishing. The vase is still priceless.
The progress goes quickly at times. But just as sure as I think it is nearing completion, I come across a deeper pitted spot which had escaped my attention. It takes so much time and energy, and I am spent. But look! The vase is so bright it looks almost luminous! The light seems to come from within. But it is a reflection.
The vase is set on the table as I stand back to admire its awesome beauty. Such a short time ago, you would never have guessed what was beneath the tarnish. Why was I chosen to help uncover the beauty that exists beneath? I haven’t been trained for such a job as this. Only God knows.
Suddenly, as I watch, a young man bursts into the room. He is drawn by the beauty of the vase. Nothing else in the room exists, in his eyes, as he advances toward it. Intrigued by the brilliance reflecting from the vase, the young man reaches out his hand. I rush forward to slap his hand away but am too slow. He touches the vase with a worshipful expression on his face. But as he backs away to leave, I see the fingerprints where I had just rubbed away other ones.
Can’t the young man see that he has marred the purity? Doesn’t he know or care that some of the luster is gone? How can the young man be so thoughtless? So uncaring of what belongs to another?
I struggle with my anger over the fingerprints left on the vase as I did such a short time ago. This vase was mistreated and handled carelessly by one who should have protected and cherished it. One who should have devoted his life to keeping fingerprints from ever soiling the finish. But I won’t quit. It isn’t hopeless. I’ll just pick up my cloth and polish, and stand guard over this most valuable vase of which I have been entrusted.
The brilliance of the light reflecting from the vase is astounding. How can such beauty come from so small an area? How can something so tarnished and pitted reflect so much of the light? You can see the full image of the sparkling chandelier. This can’t be!
The vase is still covered with tarnish except the minute area where I have rubbed! Something so marred can’t reflect the image of the source of light! But it does! The excitement is overwhelming when I see that so much beauty comes from so small a spot! I must put more energy into polishing, so more beauty can be reflected.
As I pick up the cloth and reach for the polish, my eyes are drawn to my hands. They are tired, though they have accomplished so little. How can I keep rubbing? What if the pitted areas are too deep? Is there a better way to get rid of the tarnish? What if I’m not gentle enough? Could I do more damage while trying to rub away the fingerprints left by some careless people or person from the past? I have no answers, only a compulsion to keep at the task I have begun. I can’t quit, at least not yet. Whether the vase can be restored to its former beauty is a question only time can answer. But I must keep polishing. The vase is still priceless.
The progress goes quickly at times. But just as sure as I think it is nearing completion, I come across a deeper pitted spot which had escaped my attention. It takes so much time and energy, and I am spent. But look! The vase is so bright it looks almost luminous! The light seems to come from within. But it is a reflection.
The vase is set on the table as I stand back to admire its awesome beauty. Such a short time ago, you would never have guessed what was beneath the tarnish. Why was I chosen to help uncover the beauty that exists beneath? I haven’t been trained for such a job as this. Only God knows.
Suddenly, as I watch, a young man bursts into the room. He is drawn by the beauty of the vase. Nothing else in the room exists, in his eyes, as he advances toward it. Intrigued by the brilliance reflecting from the vase, the young man reaches out his hand. I rush forward to slap his hand away but am too slow. He touches the vase with a worshipful expression on his face. But as he backs away to leave, I see the fingerprints where I had just rubbed away other ones.
Can’t the young man see that he has marred the purity? Doesn’t he know or care that some of the luster is gone? How can the young man be so thoughtless? So uncaring of what belongs to another?
I struggle with my anger over the fingerprints left on the vase as I did such a short time ago. This vase was mistreated and handled carelessly by one who should have protected and cherished it. One who should have devoted his life to keeping fingerprints from ever soiling the finish. But I won’t quit. It isn’t hopeless. I’ll just pick up my cloth and polish, and stand guard over this most valuable vase of which I have been entrusted.
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