Lifetime Daily DevotionsSample

From Trash to Treasure The latest acquisition that made its way into our garage came from the curb over by Eddie and Gina's yard. We beat the trash truck to it. It used to be a Victrola (for those of you old enough to know what a Victrola is), but the lid had been permanently fastened down after about a foot of the cabinet itself had been sawed off. Surprisingly, though, it was a pretty good sawing job. The insides had been confiscated about the turn of the century (you may detect a tad of sarcasm in that statement), so there was a hollow cavern spattered with glue; there were nail holes everywhere; the sides were splintered and the bottom was shaky. Bill saw greatpotential for that sorry piece of wood, and he elected me to bring it out--thanks, Honey. How many tired, sad-looking (sometimes hopeless-looking) pieces of furniture have I taken under my wing to make presentable? or even lovely? or just like new? And every time I start another one I say to Bill (and he reminds me that I've said it before), "Why I ever start a project like this is beyond me! Completely beyond me. I don't like to do it. It's messy. And who can guarantee what it will turn out like? Why do I do it?" I've not ruined one yet, but of course there's a first time for everything. Yet I always start by closing my eyes and heaving a heavy sigh. Then, with great determination, I attack--just like I knew exactly what I was doing! But I've learned some rather nice lessons while my hands are getting shriveled and the gnats are buzzing around my ears. The Lord uses practical things to teach us practical things. You, Lord, have the capability of undoing all my blemishes and mistakes, of taking me back to bare wood again. Better still, You are able to take my gouges and stains--my flaws--and rub and polish them until they're really the prettiest areas on the desk! You have done this in my life so many times. I show up in Your garage a mess, but You always see the potential. I wonder if You heave a sigh and, with great determination, begin the project? That I don't know. One thing I do know: that You are working; that You are the epitome of patience; that You are skilled--the very best--at refinishing sorry things that might be on the curb ready for the trash truck. How can I ever thank You for what You have done for me? I can't. It's impossible. But You know my thoughts, my heart, the depth of my gratitude. And You see my potential. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . . Psalm 139:14