What Do Notebook Paper and a Hardwood Floor Have in Common?

Last week I described my lesson in being prepared when the unexpected occurs and shared the grace of meaningful personal scripture. Today, I’m staring at the hardwood floor in the kitchen-the scene of the crime so to speak-the place where I fell. Add to that a notebook on my desk, and I have two ingredients for an extraordinary treasure. The third comes from my reflections.

Although my experience was pain-free (honest-I have witnesses!) and I resumed walking quickly, my initial weeks of limited activities provided the setting for mind games. I was, and am, profoundly grateful for the concern and daily help from many. But I longed to pick up my grandson, climb steps, drive and not be a passenger, and spontaneously make plans to go out. I had hoped to drive to the mountains and get apples. I wanted to cook dinner for my family rather than eat carryout food. There were many “I’s” in my thinking. My eyes were on “I”. I had a fractured hip, but I was developing “I” trouble.So back to my hardwood floor and notebook paper.

Do you see the faint resemblance-straight lines and smooth surface? What if I wrote my lessons from the hardwood on the paper? Not my pity party of what I was missing, but all that I have—whether I have a fractured hip or not?

And so, I began transferring the lines on the hardwood to the lines on paper… Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.– Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)

I wrote a word on each line.

Hand: I have God’s hand on my life. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Is. 41:10 NLT)

Focus: “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” (1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV)

Secure: “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2 NIV)

Care: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

Never alone: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 b NIV)

My list continues…with truth for each word…courage, trust, love, life, power…

Then I remembered a song from childhood: “Tell me the stories of Jesus, write on my heart every word.” *  From the floor, to paper, to my mind and to my heart.

You probably haven’t had a fall, but perhaps you are discouraged. Maybe you are in a season of celebration. Either way, find lined paper and write a list of blessings and the scripture that reminds you of its security.

Please join the conversation and share with us. We look forward to your comments.

*Yes, it’s an oldie and I’m not sure children sing this in church today, but here is the link to listen. Sweet memories, timeless truths. Every word on my heart then and now .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qu5ZA4jTnk