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Broken Wings Ministry
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Appearances:
The story is told of Mr. Jones who picked up the wrong umbrella in a hotel lobby and was about to walk out when the rightful owner called attention to his mistake.
Embarrassed, he offered his apologies. Finding his own, he went on his way.
The incident, however, reminded him that he had promised to buy both his wife and daughter an umbrella. To his delight he found
that a local store nearby had them on sale, so he bought two. Just as he was getting into his car with his unwrapped purchases, he saw the man he had encountered earlier. He was eyeing him suspiciously. Seeing the
three umbrellas hooked over his arm, the stranger exclaimed sarcastically, "I see you had a good day after all!" Although Mr. Jones blushed, he was not guilty of any wrongdoing.
Things are not
always what they appear to be on the surface. Beware of the sin of misjudging others!
See: Matt 7:1; 1 Cor 4:5; Gal 2:6
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Blessings in Disguise:
An artist went to visit a dear friend. When he arrived, she was weeping. He asked why. She showed him a handkerchief of exquisite beauty that had great
sentimental value, which had been ruined by a drop of indelible ink.
The artist asked her to let him have the handkerchief, which he returned to her by mail several days later. When she opened the package
she could hardly believe her eyes. The artist, using the inkblot as a base, had drawn on the handkerchief a design of great beauty with India ink. Now it was more beautiful and more valuable than ever.
Sometimes the tragedies that break our hearts can become the basis for a more beautiful design in our lives. Be patient with the hurts over which you have no control. They may become a source of healing, help, and
beauty.
Thomas Lane Butts
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Friendship:
The main business of friendship is to sustain and make bearable each other's burdens. We may do more of that as friends than we do anything else.
Eugene Kennedy
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Personal Loss
"I'll lend to you for a little time,
A child of mine," He said,
"For you to love the while he lives
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three,
But will you till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have these precious memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I've looked this whole world over,
In my search for teachers true.
And in the crowds that throng life's land,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love
Not think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?"
It seems to me I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joys thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.
And should the angels call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."
See: Psa 127:3; Isa 40:11
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