Clothesline - Edition 209

By Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson, Pastor

July 17, 2024  

As I sit and begin to think about what today’s message should be, my eyes move toward the corner of my desk where there is a small piece of paper with something written on it. I pick it up and read it:

   Three things to remember to keep a humble heart:

1. It’s not how big the house is; it’s how happy the home is.

2. If you haven’t been in someone’s shoes, don’t try and tell them how to tie their own laces.

3. Remember, everything can vanish in the blink of an eye.

I have no idea where this came from but it’s certainly food for thought…

Most of us know at least one person who seems to have everything, especially a beautiful, upscale home with all the trappings. But are they truly happy? Some might be, but there are those who see material wealth as most important. Years ago, I remember a relative who had plastic covers on the living room furniture, and no child would dare sit on those chairs. Actually, I don’t remember seeing anyone sit on them! I was young, but I remember feeling that this house wasn’t comfortable or happy. What’s more important: what we have or whom we share it with?

The second statement about shoes and laces is so true. And we are all guilty of occasionally trying to tell other persons how they should act or feel in any given situation. We fall into that trap so easily. We think we have more wisdom, more knowledge, even more sense! And it isn’t always easy to watch someone about to make what we think is a mistake without making a comment. But aren’t mistakes just part of life? This page isn’t big enough to list all the mistakes I’ve made in my life. But thankfully, most of the time I did learn from them. Perhaps that’s why God allows us to go wrong once in a while, so we’ll be appreciative of the good in life.

And how many times have I heard that today is all we have. The older I become, the more I am aware that today is a gift and there’s always a possibility that tomorrow won’t happen. That’s not morbid thinking; it’s simply a fact. And I believe that if we feel blessed to have yet another day to do our best, we will be more appreciative when tomorrow comes.

Wherever that small piece of paper came from, I don’t know, but it’s a good reminder.

Appreciate what you may have, but relationships take precedence. No two persons are alike, but we are all children of God, trying to find our way. And enjoy every minute of your life in the service of your Creator. If all people believed this, how different our world would be!