Oatmeal and Other Things That Solve Problems!
Editor’s Note: This is a real oldie that I came across today – it bears repeating!
I don’t have a lot of comforting memories as a child. Things were often rather chaotic in our home – the secrets to having a successful blended family hadn’t surfaced in the fifties when divorce wasn’t as common as it is now. One thing I do remember however that was extremely comforting was sitting at the breakfast table before a bowl of hot oatmeal! I learned that love came in this small bowl.
Chicago winters can be rough – and going to school on an empty stomach can make the strong winds almost unbearable. I quickly associated how much I could withstand when I had begun my day with the simple delicacy of a hot bowl of oatmeal. Even years later when I was a college student (always trying to keep the pounds off) who made most days either no breakfast or a couple of dry pieces of toast; that if I had any signs of a cold or flu- if I just made some oatmeal that those signs would disappear. So needless to say when I had children of my own I did not let them leave on a winter morning with cold cereal – it had to be oatmeal or some other hot cereal to send them on their way.
It’s a funny thing how when we examine our lives, our memories tend not to go to the great big accomplishments, rather they rest on the simple pleasures and comforts that we found at home. Far too many of us, spent so many days pushing to advance a career that we neglected making more of those memories. Even with all the mistakes I made, the children still look forward to Thanksgiving – when somehow we all find a way back home – and they know I will bake cookies and have so many other of their favorite things.
I believe our Father is like that, watching us as we grow – as we go through our experiences and that He takes note of our favorite things. Have you ever noticed how suddenly the sun will break out after a series of cloudy days – even for a moment – as if the Father is saying – “I haven’t forgot that you do better in sunshine!” As I wake up in the morning and begin my day, I take note of some little things about my house that although I didn’t design the house – I believe they were built in – just for me. I think of the people that have crossed the paths on this journey and even those I wish I could have missed – I know they came on my path for purpose. Even my enemies made me better, stronger, wiser…
I join the Psalmist today in celebrating the handiwork of our Lord!
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
Psalm 19:1-6 (NLT)
Receive the blessings of our Lord this day!
Maria