Small Potatoes are Temporary

Greetings,

This past weekend, Jorge, my husband and self-appointed pointer outer of my absurd behaviors, mockingly said to me, "Babe, we are traveling an hour and a half from home; don't forget your deodorant."

The only logical response was "Thanks for reminding me!" and I promptly went and got my travel-sized roll-on and put it in my purse.  I have sort of fallen into the habit of wanting my antiperspirant with me whenever I am more than 50 miles and only 50 miles or more from home.  For the record, I have never applied it nor has there been a need to,  but somehow it makes me feel prepared.  For what? I don't know.

And then yesterday I was frantically looking for my wrist watch, making Jorge look under the sectional and in between the cushions, when I suddenly realized I had been wearing it the entire time. Of course I cracked up, and Jorge accused me of being fried and growing older.

I did not nor will I ever be offended at those comments because I have a little secret for all of us who are indeed aging and maybe getting quirkier in the process:  "I am not giving up. How could I? Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on me, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace.  I am being renewed day by day, and these hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for me. The things I see now are here today, gone tomorrow.  But the things I can't see now will last forever"  2 Corinthians 5:16-18 (The MESSAGE Version).

Every single day, even on those days when I forget my sentences midstream or tell the same story to the same person twice, I am receiving fresh degrees of spiritual strength, joy, peace, and hope.  I am not disheartened but sustained; I am not exhausted but encouraged. I may be growing older on the outside, and yes, even weaker, but I am stronger than ever and invigorated because the part of me that lasts forever, my soul, has a clearer view of the truth.  I am headed for a lavish celebration that will last forever.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that You are with us day by day making new life in us and filling us up with Your grace.  We look forward to the coming good times.  Remind us to keep our life in perspective.  Small potatoes are temporary! We love You! AMEN!