Faith

I was seated about half way down, in the large crowd. I always admire our newly remodeled church. But today, there was more, to appreciate. Flowers adorned the front. These arrangements stretched from one side of the building, to the other. They were lavish in beauty and in number. (This was one of the sweetest funerals; that I have ever attended.) My favorite bouquet, was a pink and white one. They kindly left it in our church, for other services.

In the late 1940s my dad installed a new composition roof on our house. For some reason he selected a dark blue color instead of the usual brown. Little did he know at the time that this decision may have saved a life.

We were riding down a highway, through a lovely countryside. I love this route. It has rolling hills and valleys, lush with grass, even at this time of year. (In the Springtime, it is even more beautiful.) We were on our way to Nacogdoches, for my eye doctor appointment. I had had cataract surgery on both eyes. Therefore, I was afraid to drive, that distance, at that time. All of my children had other obligations.

I enjoy the antics of my friends pets. Whether I see them on a video or they tell me about them. But, I am allergic to cats and dogs and so I don’t have either. I have a widowed friend, in Arkansas, that has two tabbies. They keep her entertained and loneliness at bay. She had been out, one day and bought them a treat. Coming in, she gave them their prize. Sonny, the orange and yellow one, went after that special food treat. While Maxi, the gray one, grabbed the wrapper and taking his “trophy,” began to play with it. He didn’t care, that there was one treat left, in the package. He just loved the shiny, crackling paper. My husband’s brother, Jenkins, spent several years in the armed forces, in Vietnam. He sent us a family Bible from there. It had a lovely cover of soft, velvety, gold. I loved the way it felt; when I held it in my hands. It had a special place on our coffee table in the living room. Not only because Jenkins had sent it to us. But, because of where it came from. I really like the paintings, of the well known Thomas Kincade. His creations are always lovely, seem to favor families and usually have homes, with lights in the windows. My children gave me a Bible cover, with a picture, of one of his paintings on it. I value it, because of the painting and because it was given to me by my children. I have seen gifts that are wrapped so beautifully, that no one wanted to open them. But, they had to, in order to get to, the gift. I have seen cakes, that were so exquisitely done; that people were reluctant to mar their beauty. But, to enjoy the taste of that delectable goodness; it had to be cut. This reminds me of God’s Word. It might have a treasured cover, like my family Bible or the lovely copy of the famous painter’s work. We might be like the cat, and just want to display its loveliness. Our mode of play, would be to show off our trophy, to our guests. I have a special, large family Bible right here, for all to see. I guess I’m doing something right. The Bible is like that gorgeous cake or the beautifully wrapped gift, though. Lovely to look at. But, until they are opened; we cannot experience their goodness. Will we be like Sonny, who wanted the treat? Or will we be like Maxi; that only cared for the colorful, noisy wrapper?