Sparks & Promises

“Yet man is born unto trouble, as the

sparks fly upward.”

Job 5:7

Today my first grand-girl graduated 4-K and we enjoyed going to her ceremony and to her requested place for lunch: Texas Roadhouse. (If that’s what she wants at this stage in life, what will it be when graduating from high school?!) We thoroughly enjoyed watching her and her mini-classmates recite their poems, sing and sign songs and walk to receive their certificates. It was so special.

She worked hard to learn all the words and signs and everything else she’s learned since being enrolled this year. She’s gained knowledge, learned how to make friends, and how to cope with kids who were, in her opinion and words, “too much”. This girl is a hoot. My wee-nager is growing up! Before I know it, we’ll look up and she’ll actually be a teenager. (Of course, I told her she had to do the “wee” part first when she informed me a while back that she was already a teenager.)

Do the stuff, learn the ropes, then graduate and put it to use. Isn’t that what we adult “kids” are continually up to? I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get to feeling like I’m getting somewhere, then all the sudden I feel like I’ve flunked the course or may need a “timeout.” If you read my last post, you’ll see that would be me lately.

I’m here to say, we might think we’ve learned the ropes only to find out that the course has changed a bit since last time. True story. Sometimes I wonder why things can’t be more concrete - “constant”, do you? Instead, life and things in it are constantly changing, filled with ebb and flow. That’s why teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and other occupational personnel have to keep taking tests every so often to see if they still meet the requirements and learn additional Material if needed. Nothing much in our world is constant, except that God will always be with us, and that there will constantly be change.

Our Claire girl is in the beginning stages of learning these facts of life. Today, she experienced change. She kept saying, “This is the best day of my life!” Not only did she graduate to Kindergarten and will be changing schools and friends, she also has grown enough to use a booster seat now. She road with Noni and Popsy to the restaurant today in her new seat. She was tickled pink!

If only it were that simple in real life as an adult. If only we adults had that level of enthusiasm and optimism. I suppose as we mature, we learn things along the way which teach us there’s more than bells and whistles; there are thorns to deal with along the way too. Unfortunately, she’ll come to see this too as she runs wildly through life with the world by the tail. Soon it will be more than kids who are “too much.” We’ll just laugh with her right now and know this too shall pass.

The Bible tells us we’re born into trouble. One thing that IS constant, ever since Adam and Eve, people have constantly dealt with troubles. The sparks are going to fly! We’re going to be tried and tested, beyond a simple flat tire or headache.

There is no constant or regular pattern when sparks start flying. They just do. They are here, there and everywhere! Kind of like the testing and trials we face which come from the least expected places and sometimes even catch us off guard. Pastor just preached last night about distractions and keeping our focus on what matters. Troubles try to cloud our vision, we must constantly be on guard to keep from being discouraged and disillusioned.

Life might not be constant, but we sure need to be - and can be because God is our anchor.

God keeps His promises, is bound by His covenant, and loves us way too much to let us go through life without a bump or two…or a thousand. Even though we are assured we’ll have problems, we can be just as sure that God will be there doing what He does best.

God IS constant! Period.

My friend, right now that’s all I care about learning and graduating from. I want a “Masters Degree” in knowing that God is constantly there, through the sunshine, the storms, the days and the nights. If I can just remember this and pass the test, I will come through the school of life with flying colors - even when I don’t know the answers to the test. I know the test writer, giver and grader. GOD!

That’s the sweet spot. The reward. The place for celebration. I want to constantly remember that He is large and in charge — and that He is the only constant in my life. He’s all I need. Claire was gifted a warm, yummy brownie topped with “whoop” cream for her achievement, and God has promised we’ll receive reward for our diligence too. My thought today is this: though nothing else in life may be constant, I need to be, and I have a God who will be too. I celebrate that today!

Sparks and promises - let’s be encouraged wherever we’re at on our journey today. This too shall pass!

Until next time. Feel free to share or leave a comment any time.