It’s Not About Me

Three of my four “children”, who aren’t children any more, and three grandchildren,One of these isn’t a child any more either, came to my house yesterday to celebrate my daughters birthday. My son was chef for the day. He made Rice Bowls using Pork, beef and chicken as the meats for the bowls. Everyone had to try each kind. I think my daughter enjoyed her birthday celebration.

What I discovered was that I wasn’t needed anymore for conversation, comments or certainly not advice. I tried to get in to whatever they were talking about such as movies, basketball or food, but my comments weren’t heard or listened to, I’m not sure which.

Then I remembered the book I was reading, IT’S NOT ABOUT ME, by Max Lucado. I thought no, It’s not about me, but God is in control and if we let him be in control we will enjoy the conversations of my children much more. I believe everyone should read that book and perhaps my children should too. We are accustomed to thoughts like,”He’s too busy to care for the little things, but we must remember he loves each of us and if he tells us that we are to listen to certain conversations or not listen to certain conversations we are right to do whatever seems right.

It truly isn’t about me but it is about God. Certainly God who made everything in existence, yet loves each one of us, is able to control what goes on in any ordinary family. And maybe next time we get together, they will let me talk too. In the meantime, I will learn to sit still and listen to them, and be happy they want to come to my house! The following is taken from the book, IT’S NOT ABOUT ME, by Max Lucado.

Why does the earth spin? For him. Why do you have talents and abilities? For him.
Why do you have money or poverty? For him. Why do you have strength or struggles? For him. Everything and everyone exists to reveal his glory, including you.

So I guess it doesn’t matter that my kids have their conversations without me. After all, God is in control of my life and yours too, if you let him.

A Pair of Scissors and a Pencil

I heard this story in the news from Oklahoma recently so I made up this story based on the news from Oklahoma. I thought you might like it.

“Mama, let’s go for a walk,” Tammy said on the first sunny day since this young family moved from the city to their country home in Oklahoma.
That’s a good idea, Tammy. It will be good to take a break after sewing all these curtains.”

The two of them, with Skip, their collie, were soon walking out the door into the sunshine.

“ We had better tell your daddy first. You know we really don’t know the area around here very well.”

“I’ll run to the barn and tell him, Mama,” Tammy offered and ran to the barn and back again, anxious to be on her walk.

They walked a long time along the old country road, enjoying the flowers that were blooming at the sides of the road and the cows that seemed so contented in the meadow. They hadn’t noticed the dark clouds in the distance.

“Oh look Tammy! The clouds are really dark there in the west. It looks like we’re going to have a storm soon,” said Mama who sounded like she was very anxious.

The wind came up and a few raindrops fell on them, but Mama saw the funnel shaped cloud ahead. She didn’t say anything about it to Tammy. “There’s an old shack over there,” she said pointing at it. “Let’s go over there and wait until the storm blows over,” she yelled over the heavy wind which now was beginning to blow.

They got inside the shack just when the tornado hit the ground. It turned the shack into a pile of lumber with the three of them under the pile. Just as quickly as the tornado came it went and all was quiet. Mama checked Tammy and Skip, but no one was hurt, but they were pinned down under the lumber and couldn’t get out.

“All I’ve got to get us out of here is my scissors here in my apron pocket,” sighed Mama.

“Well, all I’ve got is this pencil, but look over there! I think that hole is big enough for Skip to get through.”

“You’ve given me an idea. Let’s cut a piece from my apron, write on it with your pencil and tie it around Skip’s neck and send him to your daddy,” said Mama excitedly.

Soon Skip was on his way to the barn. Paul took the piece of apron off Skip’s neck, read the note and was on his way to help his wife and daughter.

“You’re a good old Skip,” said Paul on his way to what used to be the shack. He moved the pile of lumber enough to get Tammy and her Mama free. The four of them walked happily back to their farmhouse.

“Boy! Have we ever got a story to tell Grandma and Grandpa,” said Tammy as she sipped her hot chocolate.

“Yup, we sure do.” answered Daddy.

Mama was too comfortable, sitting beside the glowing fire in the fireplace with her hot chocolate in her hands, to say anything, but she smiled her answer.

Now who made sure Mama had scissors and an apron and who made sure that Tammy had a pencil? I think it was God, don’t you?