My Computer by Doris Lakey

Like many people I know, I have a computer. Oftentimes I realize it's smarter than I am. It has rules for operation. If I ask it to do something contrary to those rules, it sits and blinks its eye at me, politely refusing to comply. I wish I were as compliant to my Creator's rules for my behavior, but as I said, I'm not as smart as this machine and sadly, too often I prefer to do things my way.

Furthermore, when I brought it home I had certain jobs in mind for my PC and miraculously it already knew how to do these things (and many more); however, I had to learn how to speak to it in ways it understood before it would do my work. First I had to enter a password before it would listen to my request for action; then imperfect understanding caused me much frustration. 

What I found most amazing is that the day I bought it, all these possibilities belonged to me--it's in the warranty! It promised many things I will never in this lifetime learn how to access, They are all there, bought and paid for, but not yet accessible to me. Not its creator's shortcoming but my own. Over time, I have increased my knowledge by reading its instruction manual and spending hours at the keyboard practicing my skills and memorizing the correct procedures. Operator knowledge comes gradually over time, opening many of its promises for my benefit.

A lot like my spiritual life. I aspire to complete obedience, but have not yet been willing to devote enough of my time to perfect my relationship with my Creator. But I have learned the password--Jesus said: I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.(John 14:13) Now, that doesn't mean I have a personal genie to fulfill my daydreams; it means I'm expected to ask for things He wants for me, like greater understanding and abilities to fulfill His plans for my life, loving and helping others along the way.

I am still learning to ask unselfishly for an outcome pleasing to the Father above, still studying the Operator's Manual. Proverbs in the Old Testament was written by King Solomon, perhaps the wisest man in history.  He gives a simple first guideline for making our best daily life decisions--beyond that we must go through the New Testament looking for Jesus's words written in red. Then continue with comments written by those followers who studied at His feet for three years as He explained His kingdom. Whether or not I ever understand all the promises I received when I committed to the Lord, they are all waiting for me in the fullness of time. If there exists a volume "Christian-living for Dummies", I suspect it's the book of Proverbs; although its practical living hints are wise for anyone to follow, Christian or not!

This world exists at God's command, and while in this world, no one will understand all of His creation or purposes for our lives. It's as if we are looking at a complex designed tapestry from the messy backside, unable to discern what He's creating. All we can do is practice what we have learned that He wants us to do, how we should live, and trust Him for the full story to be revealed in Heaven. He will unfold our future one step at a time.

Thy word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.   (Psalms 119:105)
                                                              

God is in the Small Things

Whether or not we have ever read the Bible, several parables Jesus told His followers have made their way into general knowledge and are familiar to most of us. Vaguely recalling the gist of the stories, we may pigeon-hole them along with fables such as the ant and grasshopper, the race of rabbit and turtle, the prodigal son, the wise man who built his house on the rock vs. the fool who built on sand, the wise pig who built his house out of bricks, the rich man and Lazarus. (What's wrong with this sentence?)

Jesus used every-day circumstances in the lives of His followers to resonate with their hearts so they would understand deep spiritual truths. His followers today can also see and benefit from these many parables. But there's more to be found. . . .

Looking back over eighty plus years of my personal story, I now can see many lessons God has lovingly imbedded in my daily life that were not readily visible when I was preoccupied with my own reactions to my situation. There are those who say God shouldn't be expected to oversee every little detail of our lives, but if He takes the time (he owns time anyway) to note when a sparrow falls, it's no chore for Him to insert spiritual truths into tiny corners of His beloved children's lives every day. Like golden Easter eggs nestled in the fertile heart of one listening for His voice, seeking guidance. Like personal parables, just for me!

That's the origin of these writings I call Parables, Proverbs and Pearls.

Each of you dear Readers can look within and find little love notes from our Holy Father, left just for you. I pray you will watch as you go about your day and find new treasures for your heart.