My husband sketched this picture in high school. Lately, I wonder if it was a prophetic portrait of his wife-to-be because I’m feeling like a bucket of bolts—rustier, slower, and dented. I have an appointment this week for what may be a frozen shoulder, one next week for eye surgery, and last night I bit an almond and broke my tooth!

I thought of Rich’s high school art project and recalled the many challenges we had to keep our cars on the road. In a few days, we’ll have a recent dent repaired—cosmetic, easy. But we have a history of failed batteries, faulty wiring, flat tires, and the worst—dead transmissions. My aging body relates.

What if we brought our car back to the manufacturer and was told it was worn out, but we can have a new model with all the bells and whistles—solar powered, heated seats and steering wheel, state-of-the-art GPS system, back up warnings, 12-way power seats, tinted sunroof, stereophonic music, luxury leather interior, a scratch resistant exterior, and the smoothest ride you can imagine, all with an unlimited, lifetime warranty. Oh, and it’s free.

That’s the very offer the Holy Spirit dropped into my heart. I’ve seen a lot of miles and my body is reflecting its years. Of course it is—it has a built in expiration date known only to its Maker. But I know what’s ahead! A brand-new model “with all the bells and whistles.” Strength that doesn’t lag, agility that scales mountains, eyes that see clear and far, ears that overhear angels whisper without needing to ask, “What did they say?” Insights that are clear and don’t fade, understanding that grasps marvels, the ability to perceive intricate details, intellect that amazes, and reasoning that comprehends thoughts that are currently too wonderful for me.

A life freely given, an eternal existence, forever strong, productively fruitful, awed by new wonders every day—this is my full expectation. In the meantime, I’ll care for my bucket of bolts with an eye to the future as I “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits” Psalm 103:2 (NKJ).

Oops! I got so absorbed in a writing project I forgot to blog! Until next week, here’s something on the Light Side.

Yesterday morning we looked out the window and saw this in our back yard! I captioned it and sent the picture to our family but before I tell you what I wrote, what caption would you give it?

Everybody has one. They come in all colors and sizes—large, small, and in between. Each is distinct and has its own personality. They share laughter and sorrow, great times and bad, words of encouragement and sometimes anger. When families are good, they’re very, very good. And when they are bad, they’re horrid.

Families need nurturing to be healthy and possess these characteristics.

F — Familiarity. They know your strengths and your weaknesses, your awkward moments and your successes. If you’re close, they know your dreams and disappointments and stand with you in both. Maintain you family relationships.

A — Acceptance. This is a tough one but so vital. We all need one place where we don’t have to prove ourselves or vie for approval, where someone will say, “Oh, that’s how my sister is” and it’s okay. Affirm a sibling today.

M — Moments. So many years, so many moments that define us and make us who we are today. Some of those moments offered challenges to overcome, others strengthened and encouraged us. Make your moments count.

I — Individuality. Each of us is unique in good and bad ways—and we live(d) under one roof. Our personalities and experiences created the package we’ve become. Honor it, value it, accept it.  

L — Loyalty. What is it about family ties? My family is MINE. Nothing changes that—even dysfunctional families will defend their parents and siblings. It’s a matter of belonging, being part of something. Be loyal to those God gave you, even if they disappoint.

Y — Yesterdays. Memories, experiences, adventures, embarrassments, laughter, and tears. Build a memory today that will become part of your yesterday.

I’m taking time off to spend with my favorite people! I’ll be back next week.