Beauty and Contrast

 

I tried my best without success! I practically stood on my head, trying to see how a six-inch metal bolt could go through the new toilet seat riser on down through the original toilet seat holes.

Finally, I sent photos to my Goddaughter who is gifted in household repairs. She kindly said my photos were great, then walked me through the installation process.

OK . . . the right side was done! I tackled the left . . . awkward! I’m not a lefty and, besides, it was by a wall so I had to do it by feel.

I decided to call my handyman neighbor. He came and did it the next day. There's nothing like knowledge, experience, and coordination.

The contrast in personalities and abilities is to be appreciated. Thank God not everyone is a beautician, a banker, or a contractor. I was a teacher, but where would we be without doctors, nurses, and medical technicians?

I learned to use computers and enjoyed office jobs, but along came E-communication and cell phones with apps of all kinds. Thank God for two Goddaughters who are both good with technical know-how!

Have you ever noticed the beauty in contrast? I like to notice various shades of green as I drive down a tree-lined street. Of course, floral shapes and colors are a pleasure, too.

Then there are cats and dogs! Each species varies in shape, size, and personality. Owners will happily tell you about their pet's uniquely enjoyable characteristics.

Integral elements of contrast and beauty include male and female. This applies to plants and trees, animals, fish, birds, and humans. All were created to bear after their own kind and increase in the earth, but it requires both a male and a female to procreate.

For an enjoyable explanation of the orderliness in Creation, read Genesis Chapter One.

Youngster and oldsters, uneducated or highly degreed, east to west and north to south . . . all have access to God's gifts of beauty and contrast. Enjoy!   

The Old and New

It finally arrived . . . the first day of the NEW year! I enjoyed a quiet day at home, receiving and sending greetings to friends and family, along with a little TV time.

When a friend mentioned watching the Rose Parade, I was shocked to realize I totally forgot to plan ahead for it this year! I’ve watched the Rose Parade in person or on TV every year since college. But I had a lovely relaxing day and my new year got off to a good start.

A few weeks ago, I noticed a diary as I moved a pile of books. I had written daily notes while caregiving for my husband, but after he died, I let them go. I've only been doing it again for a short while.

This morning I reached for my diary first, even before breakfast, and wrote SNOW DAY. I enjoy waking up and looking out my window. I saw snow, but it was a beautiful bright sunny day, so I hoped the snow would simply melt off my car like it had earlier this week.

My diary has one page per day, with a scripture verse at the bottom. Today’s verse was a pleasant surprise!

The faithful love of the LORD never ends.

His mercies never cease.

Great is His faithfulness;

His mercies begin afresh each morning. . .

The LORD is good to those who depend on Him,

To those who search for Him.

Lamentations 3:22, 23, 25 (NLT)

I read it again, then again. LOVE, MERCIES, FAITHFULNESS, GOODNESS . . . ancient words of hope from the Old Testament. What could be better for a Happy NEW Year?

The thing is, I had already found these blessings to be true daily.

As my husband’s caregiver, I would wake up, look out the window to greet the day, and say, “Thank you, Lord. I know Your mercies are new every morning, so I’m counting on Your help again today.”

Our Father in heaven is the one Who said, “Pray about everything.” From experience I can tell you, He’ll respond to you if you do.