In Tune

After we moved I had planned to get our piano tuned, but with the passing of busy days it was something that got neglected.
When our daughter came home last fall, it was one of the first things she wanted to have done.  Since she plays violin and the girls were practicing together, the piano being out of tune was an issue.
Finally after quite a bit of time and many phone calls trying to make contact with the tuner it was arranged, although I was away from home when it was done.

I came home after being gone several days and walked around my house moving little things back into place, picking up items and just generally getting a feel for my house again.
Walking into the living room my eyes fell on my piano where two little piles of "trash" were left.

Obviously left by the tuner who had removed them from somewhere on the insides of the piano
.At first glance I thought it was strange that he had left them there & not just dumped them in the garbage can.
The first pile was pretty much trash, dirt & debris.

along with the trash there was a single sheet of notes.
Some special notes, written by one of my children during a special time.
Some sweet thoughts there, but hidden & unable to be
read because they'd been lost.

The second pile obviously had a few more tangible items in it.
Taking a closer look it made me stop and think.

 What do we have inside our lives
Things we've forgotten about, things we don't see, things we refuse to see
Maybe things others don't see--or even DO see.

 Maybe something good.
Something sweet-- but unable to be seen by others or used because it is hidden.
Lost, buried under the rubbish.

Trash.  Dirt. Something that is unclean & puts a blight on everything around it.
Coins, money, pencils, hair pins, hair decorations, a diaper pin.(that are long past their useful time)
Game pieces--only a partial piece of a whole unit. "People" that only drag us down & are not beneficial in our lives. Broken items that cannot be used or repaired.
Useful, but not in the right place or order.

Buried, taking up space, contaminating other things around it and clogging our lives, keeping us from being in tune.
It was a good thought for me.
To remove things from my life that are a hindrance.
That keep me from being in tune.
And even more than that, be willing to let God touch me-
To clean out/remove things that He sees are a hindrance to my service.

And a reminder of one of my favorite songs.

"Whenever your life is out of tune-
and no melody soothes your soul,
Look to the Master whose gentle touch..
Will bless you and make you whole.
Like an old violin with so little worth,
A life may be far less than grand...,
But may be transformed in a moment you see,
By the Touch Of The Master's hand."


 

Even a child...

 My thoughts this morning have went to a verse--Prov 20:11

"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."
Who is teaching our children, and how does this reflect on us, their parents?

There is alot more to teaching children than "just" academically.   Teaching our children begins when they are born. (And, as far as I can realize, as a parent and grandparent, do not end until our life is ended) Whether by word or example.

School aside, the most important lessons are learned at home, and those lessons are the ones that will really show to others what and who we are.
If we are not teaching our children, who is?  If we have put the responsibility in another's hands, then ultimately we are still responsible because this is what we chose for them.

None of us are perfect, and none of us have perfect children.  It is an on-going journey.  We can only do our best each day, and seek for help from the one who knows all and can best guide us.

There comes a time when children are responsible for their own choices and actions.  Have they "succeeded" in whatever manner because of the teaching & foundation we've given, or in spite of the lack of it? and what does this say about us?

Ultimately, when they are older, whatever behaviors & decisions our children make are their own and they have to answer for it.

I want to make sure I'm doing my best in shaping and teaching those lives while I am still the one responsible for them.

Sunday Musings....

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethern came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
(3 John 1; 2-4)

This morning we got the news that our niece made her choice last night at Elizabeth convention.
Last week our oldest son stood up at Chugwater, along with two other young NE girls we know.
The week before that our 8 & 11 yr olds stood at Antioch, among 10 others, including another young girl from our meetings here.
In May, two of my nephews professed the same weekend. One at Casa Grande AZ conv, one at our Gospel meeting here.
Just a year ago another nephew professed & was baptized at Summer conventions.
What rejoicing we have known these past weeks! I've had so many thoughts on this, first of all how much we need to pray for these who have overcome the struggle of making a start. For some this isn't a first start, and it makes it even more real to me how much we need to pray for each other, not only to make the choice, but to be able to continue to make the choice each day.
When I think of how much we as parents, family, friends and our workers are rejoicing, it makes me stop to remember how much the Lord is rejoicing. However, it also makes me realize that the enemy will even try harder to hinder.
Ps 126; 5...They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
I Cor 3:6--I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
We all have an important place to fill. Bringing up Children to know and love God, Nurturing and praying for them, Encouraging and praying for others, Showing the example of Christ in our lives...It is all part of sowing & watering the precious seed.
The thought came to me today, I wonder maybe if part of the plan in what God allows us/others to go thru is in order to see how desperate we are by being willing to put time and effort into praying about the person/situation.

"My heart o'er-flows with praise to God alway, For needed Grace he give me day by day...."
"I long to live so that my life will show
How much it means such boundless grace to know,
That every weary, fearfull soul I meet,
who day by day is suffering from defeat,
Might through his tears and sorrows see in me
What he could share through grace so rich and free."