Dropped but Safe

Hello Friends,

Have you ever lost something so trivial that you write it off to carelessness and move on?  I’ve gotten a bit absent minded and if something insignificant is misplaced, I often say, “It’s in a safe place.”  I shrug my shoulders and shake my head. “It’ll show up eventually,” I think to myself.

Then, there’s the not so trivial losses, like a jewelry piece or a warm sweater that creates a gut pause and the conversation is different.  “Oh man!  Where is it?”  I go through the typical questions of where did I see it last or when did I use it last?  Can I retrace my steps?  That might work for some things, but not a sweater.  Those comfy, cozy cardigan can be lost for a couple of seasons before you realize it’s not in its usual spot.

Fast forward to the last few days, and I’ve had the privilege of drinking coffee and having breakfast on a patio.  My long range view is a bright blue lake and sky. My up close surroundings make me return to this spot day after day. The chipmunks… Yes, multiple chipmunks and squirrels entertain me each morning.

My sister has asked me if I’ve named one of the chipmunks, Alvin, but I’d more likely call them Scurry or Bolt. It’s amazing how fast these critters move.  Their colors are so cool and their little feet serve them well. The most surprising thing to this city chick is how many acorns they can shove in their mouths as they scamper back to their hiding places.

Yesterday, one of the chipmunks, looking side to side, creeped close to my table.  I moved my feet back and my movement startled the little tike.  It dropped one of the acorns.  It retreated for a moment and then sniffed around to find the dropped nut.  In just a few seconds, it found the acorn and the chipmunk pushed it back in its mouth.  …And just like that, it rushed off.

Such entertainment for these special getaway days.

I have precious physical things for which I would search and have searched long and hard.  Sometimes, I’m successful in the hunt for my treasures, and sometimes I’m not.

The heart of my thoughts today revolve around the loss of the intangibles.  Have I dropped my good attitudes somewhere along the way?  Am I serving my family and friends in thoughtful ways?  Are my Bible studies put into action in my life?  Is my worship genuine?

The beautiful thing about grace is that I get do-overs.  I can try again and again to pick up my good approaches to life.  I’m most effective when I ask for help.  Can I remember to ask?

I’m thankful for Scurry and Bolt, my new little scampering examples, who of go back for the things they’ve dropped.

Lord, by Your Grace, help me pick up the things I’ve drop along the way.  May I pick up kindness, peace, joy, love, and mercy.  They are in a safe place, just waiting for my attention and action.

Take care, my friends.

MT Penny