Day 297 Master Designer

 

10/24/2025

"Our prayer life will become restful when it really dawns upon us 

that we have done all we are supposed to do when we have 

spoken to Him about it. From that moment we have left it 

with Him. It is His responsibility."  

O Hallesby 

 

Sometimes it's hard to let go, especially when it concerns our children, no matter how old they are. We can't turn the switch on and off when it comes to matters of the heart where our children are concerned. I've had more than my share of considerations when it comes to the welfare of my children over the years. I sometimes wonder if I was meant to have children, as I am told it was medically impossible, yet I birthed three healthy children. I experienced medical challenges all throughout my childhood, but as hard as my daddy tried to find help and, at best, relief, there was nothing medical science could offer in my era. Still I managed to survive, and I doubt that many of my classmates or friends even noticed. It was harder to hide the headaches when they became nauseating and so painful that I needed to lie down and cover my eyes, but I don't recall staying home from school much. It simply was not allowed. Sunshine or rain, we went to school. 

But here I am today, and although those first 57 years of my life were long, painful, and sometimes debilitating, I found unique ways to cover up, raise kids and run a household, go to college, mange jobs, volunteer at school, church, in the community, and a great many things. In spite of it all, I thank God for keeping me during those years. He heard me cry a lot, but He cradled me in His arms, taught me how to stand and be strong, finding His strength in time of need. I'm 75 now, so I've had a nice reprieve except for a few things over the years. Recently, I've been discovering that I can't do certain things as I used to, or at least, it's not advisable, but I still find ways around it. Right now I have a roof that needs some shingles nailed back down, and I have few interested in climbing a steep roof. I think I can make it up and get the work done, but I'm a little anxious about working my way back down. I guess we'll see how that one turns out. The fall from the crepe myrtles still haunts me, and the colder weather threatens to limit some movement. There are so many choices one has to make in life. "To do" or "not to do" that is the question!

I recently learned that certain members of the family for whom I pray daily are not inclined to faith in God. Religion is not something they have any interest in pursuing. I don't know why people don't realize that I am not religious or particularly spiritual. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, the One, the only One, who gave His life as a ransom for mine and theirs. I just accepted Him and His incredible gift of friendship and a relationship with God, who created me and everything else in this world. I once read: "Close your eyes and you'll see how much really belongs to you." That's a fact based on scripture that is true, proven, and on which I stand. How else could I have made it through this crazy life. And I've only shared bits and pieces thus far in blogs, even in conversations with others. My own sister knows very little about my life, but she's learning more since I moved back home. She's probably glad we don't get together much. My primary topic is Jesus. I live for Him. He's my go-to for everything. He's my life. Why is that so threatening to people. 

Life hasn't been easy for my children, and over recent years, I am discovering little secrets they were made to keep from me. Painful things, things I never wanted for any of them. Parents, who love their children and dream about the lives we desire them to have, would never want to see anything bad happen. I have a hard time seeing anyone mistreated or harmed in any way. Today I happened upon an article about a place in this State that is similar to my dream for an island of misfit toys, except this one is on a much grander scale. I wondered if it might be a place where I can volunteer, so I began to dream again.

In the book of Matthew Jesus is talking to the crowds, while the Pharisees are hanging around asking questions. He's sharing a message on the Parable of the Talents,giving illustrations about the Kingdom of Heaven and being prepared. In Chapter 25 He has already discussed the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, now Jesus is giving a more pointed sermon about the use of talents. He used money as the talent given, but talents can refer to gifts and callings, being faithful in little things, gaining more. The point of the parable is about multiplication of what He has entrusted us to use for the Kingdom. In this parable for the two people who wisely used what He gave them to manage, their talents were doubled, but for the one who did nothing, his talent was taken away and given to the one who made a profit. I think about this often, comparing it to the verse in Luke 12:48: "For to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." Commentators say this can refer to wealth, gifts, talents, resources, knowledge, and a great many variables, yet to me it can also mean the degree of one's redemption. There is nothing we can do to buy salvation, but our gratitude is spelled out in our willingness to be faithful in all things. We are saved by faith, yet the word says faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 26). Jesus instructs us as He departs for Heaven to be diligent and continue to work, occupying until He returns. I have done a great many things in my life using the talents He has given me, and the gifts. Now that I am older, and frequently, slower, my mind continues to explode with ideas that I want to develop, and I want to share them with others, as I did at one time. I feel as if there is always some more that I need to do or finish. I am writing, or making attempts, and I am available, or at least I try to be. 

Today I found myself looking over the Coolworks site, a seasonal website for jobs, mostly at parks, resorts, and hospitality areas. I discovered that Glorieta, New Mexico now has Adventure Parks, and the jobs are full time and seasonal with housing. Glorieta has always been a Christian Conference Center, so I am not sure when this transition took place, but I'm happy that the old campground has been revived. It sounds like something right up my alley! I always dreamed of my place, my home for "misfits," and my children were part of the dream. But I realize more and more that things don't always turn out the way we'd love them to be. As sad as it is for me to watch my children, and my extended family, struggle, I have to lay it at the foot of the cross in the capable hands of the Master Creator/Designer. Just as He formed me and has a plan for my life, so He has an even better one for each of them. I will continue to pray, and I will trust Him. He has never failed me, or them, yet! And, He never will.