Underlying Underlines

In the yard of my previous home there were daylilies planted in the front. Those things were persistent! For years I tried to control them but it seemed the more I tried to eliminate them the more they multiplied. The same thing has happened at my new home; our herd of sheep have decimated the crepe myrtles but they keep trying to come back. They haven’t given up. 

Animals can be good examples for us too. Recently we had a day that topped 116 degrees here in Texas. That kind of heat is hard on everything. One of my hens, Betty Pecky, was really having a hard time that day. She was panting and lying on her side and huddled as close to the vent that allowed some cool air to flow out from under the house. Plus, that darn rooster wouldn’t leave her alone. He almost lost his head that day. Betty didn’t give up and today she’s out in the yard scratching around with everyone else. 

I’m privileged to have Bibles passed down to me and I love to compare versions when I study. Recently I was digging around in my grandmothers Living Bible and fell on 2 Corinthians. Apparently in 1988 she was struggling with something or knew someone who was because the underlining she did there was prominent. She practically underlined chapter 4 entirely, emphasising “keep going”, “never give up”. 

Even in the days I last saw her, she still radiated her love for Christ. Selfless and compassionate she served like none other, to a fault even. Never doing much for herself, but always giving and serving others. 

I’m encouraged by these underlined scriptures from my grandmother. They remind me that times get tough, but even so, don’t lose yourself and your direction. No matter who hurts you, ignores you, forgets you-don’t stop being who you are. When the world is hateful and neglecting, remember your mission. If things get rough, remember that the future is worth it. 

Above all, these underlined words in this beautiful book remind me of what she spent so much time instilling in me; I am worthy of all that God has planned for me. No matter what I do, He will always be there for me and because of His grace, love and mercy I want to keep sharing the truth of salvation and I don’t want to give up. Even when it seems that no one is listening. He always is. 

2 Corinthians 4:18