Good day, Samara.
Sure a cold one again! 19 degrees when I rose this morning. I have my insulated bibs on with plans to do a little chilly jog before we go to church. Oh, oh—now I’m looking at the clock. I’m afraid I don’t have time to jog. Phooey!
This devotional is actually a late one from yesterday. I got too tangled up in stuff yesterday to get ‘er done. So hopefully, you will hear from me again before the day is out.
I was in jail again last night. And they let me out again too. It wasn’t because I stole that candy when I was 12—it was to share a Bible lesson and lead in some singing. I impulsively use my old beat-up ukulele this time rather than my guitar. It went quite well.
Have a good day. Love, Tua.
PS: Here’s a sign I put out yesterday. It was too cold to mount the posts in concrete, so I just tied it off to a steel frame that was there using some 250# test fish line I had on hand from my island fishing stuff. That will offer some visibility for the time being. Maybe tomorrow I can do the permanent installation. Your dad printed the media for this sign.
I remember while in college being gripped with the importance of restitution as a means of achieving a clear conscience. As a little kid I confess that I stole candy out of stores several times. But the last one I could remember was when I was about 12. I remember being so guilty and ashamed of myself as I walked on home from the end of the bus line, that I directed my disgust at the stupid bag of remaining candies, and kicked it like a football punter, spreading it all over the roadway. So at about age 20, still remembering my crime, I made a point to return to that same drug store located in downtown Seattle and spoke to a clerk about my wish to compensate with $5—a payment with interest for my theft of that bag of little Hershey chocolates. She thought it was a joke. When I assured her it was not a joke, she now thought I was nuts. She did finally call the manager over and I explained again. Her response was something like, “Hey—don’t worry about it. It’s standard procedure for a business like this to anticipate some theft in the scheme of profits and losses.” I persisted. She finally accepted my money. Whew! They were still shaking their heads when I left. I did so with my conscience cleaner and clearer than before I entered. I definitely do not regret that restitution effort.
“…but goodwill is found among the upright.” Actually we need to drive to either Woodburn or Oregon City to find a GOODWILL. Well, that’s not really what it means, is it? I looked up a definition for “goodwill” that goes like this: “A kind, helpful, or friendly feeling or attitude.” I think right there is a great standard for evaluating and regulating relationships. So if and when you find yourself in a setting of anger, fighting, selfishness, and hostility, it’s a good time to also try to figure out why—and/or look for the door. You are NOT in the fellowship of the UPRIGHT—those who live to please God.