Painting with a Broom: The Right Thing in the Wrong Way

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3:23 NLT)

My Dad looked at the freshly painted room. “Did you use a broom to paint?” Though his observation was serious, we laughed. 

No, the teenage boy used a roller, but was more concerned about hurrying to get the job done and play baseball, than do it right. So, with a paintbrush, roller, and a new can of paint, he repainted the room.

My Dad was all about building character. “If you’re going to do something, do it with excellence.” He spoke those words to me more times than I can count. At his memorial service, my brother and I quoted them in our tributes. I admit as a child and teenager, I was often annoyed by the admonition. Since then, I have come to appreciate his counsel-not only personally but seeing how the effects of failing to embrace his wisdom causes damage.

Updating Before the Day Begins

I checked the outside temperature, poured my morning coffee, and walked to my screened porch. After high temperatures and humidity, I was thrilled with the notion I could have my morning devotions outside. It was a bit chilly (for me) at 6 am so I grabbed a blanket to cover my legs.

With an eye on refreshment, I sipped my hot coffee and prepared to open my Bible. Refreshed? How do you need to be refreshed after sleeping seven hours? Shouldn’t a good night’s sleep refresh? Yes, I woke up naturally, so I had adequate sleep. I was looking for something else.

Refresh carries with it being fortified or reinvigorated. In the world of technology, refreshing a computer screen calls for updating. That’s what I needed--updating.

Independence Day-Dependence Days

Today, July 4th, marks Independence Day. It’s America’s birthday! When the patriots drafted the Declaration of Independence they included the rights of individuals to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Signing the document meant a new day for those who had come to America. 

My family immigrated to the United States in the early 1900’s. When they disembarked from their ships, they too recognized it was a new day for them and for their future family. They had no idea what the future held, but they were optimistic it would be better than the life they left behind. They were courageous and strong in the face of many obstacles. I admire their courage leaving familiarity to come to the unknown. They experienced discrimination because of their ethnic identity, faced a language barrier but persevered, worked hard, and left a legacy and heritage to cherish.