March 9th

March 9th

Read: Luke 8:14-15; James 5:7-11; Psalms 56:3-4

The lessons we learn from life’s struggles are not easily forgotten. When I was growing up during the Great Depression, my parents both struggled to keep us housed, clothed, and fed. They both worked. We kept chickens and a vegetable garden and preserved the fruits of it. Daddy hunted deer, pheasant, rabbit, even squirrel. Each possession was dearly purchased. Small economies were important. String, rubber bands, and pins were carefully saved for another use. The toys and games which we children had were carefully stored after each use. Broken ones were repaired, not discarded. Socks and clothing and shoes were mended.

The last time I was in my mother’s home before she became ill, I found string, rubber bands, twist ties, and pins neatly stored in convenient places. She was still putting money into a savings account “for a rainy day” from her Social Security check! She never forgot those painful lessons. Neither did my sister and I. You will find just such a collection of things in our homes too. Value the struggles as lessons from our Heavenly Father.

THE KERNELS AND THE CHAFF
In sorting and sifting the moments I’ve known
To gather the kernels of life,
I discard the pleasures and fears I’ve outgrown
And keep the ones seasoned by strife.
For pleasures and fears are both swiftly fled,
But times won by struggle are dear,
And the green pastures gained after my feet have bled
Do sweet in my sifter appear.

Prayer: Dear Father, the lessons You send are often difficult to learn, but those are the ones we never forget. I thank You for each one that You have seen me through.