Remembering
As I sorted the remains of Mother’s belongings and picked up the light Wearever Aluminum mixing bowl. I saw that much of the covering had worn off. There was a dent in one side of the bowl. Worn and weathered, this bowl and endured many years of use. I considered throwing away the battered bowl, yet something stayed my hand.
Dad bought Mom a set of Wearever cooking utensils. Among the skillets and pans was this mixing bowl…and it brought mixed memories. Mom used the bowl for mixing her bread dough. I can still see her arms, covered with flour, flailing about as she gleefully kneaded the dough. The mixing bowl did not groan, but I wondered how it managed to endure. Once I asked about her active interaction with the dough. She explained that she received a lot of exercise making bread.
Many a chocolate cake, gingerbread or hot wheat loaves of bread were brought through the yawning portals of the old aluminum mixing bowl. Now when I reach into the cabinet for the used aluminum mixing bowl, I don’t think so much of what Mom used the bowl for, but of the lessons she taught me through her giving to others, her love of the Truth, her straight and narrow path, her desire to impart through music, writing and teaching the love of Jesus.
Today I received an email from a Chinese friend, who said, “It isn’t the words you said, but the love you gave that has changed my life.” From this I learned a valuable lesson and one that points to Jesus. For it isn’t just the Words of Truth that He gave us, it was His Love, dying on the cross for my sins, that makes following Jesus a life-changing force.
The beauty of the cross shines with love, though it is an instrument of torture. Remembering Jesus. I look at the emblems of bread (body) and juice (blood) as I partake of them. I see Jesus and His great love for me, and marvel at His great love. I hear the words, “This do in Remembrance of Me”.
Now, I know why we were given our memories and the little things in life that remind us of love and sacrifice. The love that was demonstrated through the years from grandparents, parents, long gone and also now of our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Just as the aluminum mixing bowl reminds me of my Mom’s love, all the things of creation remind me of His great love and I sing His Praises for the abundance of blessings and love He pours out upon His children.
Even as the birds sing praises to Him, I stretch out my hands to Him who is ever Able!
Psalm 143:6 – I remembered the old days, went over all you’ve done, pondered the ways you’ve worked, Stretched out my hands to you, as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.