The Yellow Paintbrush

 

The Yellow Paintbrush

I knew if I didn’t turn around I would be disappointed in myself.  I really am not fond of losing time by back tracking; however, I was only a mile from my home.  So, I slipped into the next driveway and turned around.  I ran into the house, grabbed the forgotten item, and hurried back to my van. Once again I was heading in the direction that my schedule requested of me.

This little turn around urged me to drive at a speed that would keep me on schedule.  Therefore, I was shocked to see a truck behind me in the passing lane going full steam ahead.  I became quite concerned because now the single yellow stripe on the road had become two signaling the restriction to pass.  The hill we were driving up had started out at a small incline and visibility seemed good; however, now it was null and this truck was heading into an area unsafe for himself and the person coming toward him.

I was driving by myself so I had some quiet time to think.  I had always thought it was my decision if I chose to disregard the double lines and I alone would have to pay the consequences.  As my eyes were off of myself and onto someone else I realized that this is not true.  My decision to slip outside of the yellow lines would be my decision but it would not only affect me.  It could affect many.  Authorities have worked for the safety of all concerned to pick up the yellow paintbrush and give us all a warning due to the conditions of the area.

How often has God picked up His paintbrush adding a double line to our road signaling us to stay behind an obstruction even though the horizon seems perfectly clear and safe to pass?  Why would we be forced to stay behind an obstacle instead of passing it to take us where we envisioned we “should” be?  We ask Him to order our steps, but do we ask Him to order our stops as well? Our ambition to be where we think we should be, will not only affect us, but it will also affect those traveling with us.  As He dips His paintbrush into the yellow paint, He begins to alter our schedule because He knows the path we take.  Trust His guidance.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10 KJV

The Lost and Found

Lost and Found
Carol Condon
www.carolcondon.com

All the confusion and chaos may drive some to the brink of insanity but it brings a smile to my heart, which duplicates one to my face as well. When all six of us are together and are out celebrating some quality, family time it is loud, chaotic, and so satisfying. I sincerely love these moments in time.

Stories are being told with much passion and each storyteller gets louder and more passionate. Small breaths are taken so that there is not a big enough spot for an interruption by the next one with a story bursting to tell. These special moments are not about what type of restaurant we are at but the celebration is the fact that we are all together. Very seldom are we able to come in the same vehicle. So, following the meal complete mayhem takes place as everyone fights for who is riding with who and the mad dash to insure the front seat of the vehicle they chose.

It was following one of these precious outings that I followed my loud and lovely family to the car and headed home. The following day as I attempted to pay for my groceries I realized my credit card was never retrieved from the night before.

I made the call to the manager on duty and explained my dilemma. He asked me to meet him with my ID. I was shocked when I saw him bring a huge stack of unclaimed credit cards from the lost and found box. He went on to explain to me the variety of expensive items that he keeps locked in his office in case someone realizes where they lost their “valuables.”

I wonder how full the “Lost and Found” box is that our Lord keeps locked up with all the valuable items waiting to be claimed. We are given so many promises, answered prayers, callings, favor, and so much more but in the chaos of our own lives we set them down and they go unclaimed and in many cases are simply forgotten. He has gathered them up and is waiting on us to call Him and claim what is ours.

If we will begin a search of all that we lost, He will unlock the Lost and Found box and we will be reunited to our valuables. His gifts are with out repentance, in other words they are there waiting to be claimed. Begin your search today!


7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NIV