Yellow Ribbon

I stopped by a local business and before I went in, found myself reorganizing “stuff” in the back part of the Expedition. To my surprise, I found a roll of yellow, narrow wrapping ribbon. I rarely use the color yellow and remembered buying it because it was a really good deal sitting on a sales counter. Who can pass a great bargain even if the color isn’t the best? (And now you know why I have to reorganize “stuff” in my vehicle (and craft room) from time-to-time!)

I finished my reshuffling and was entering the business when I ran into a friend who works there. We walked and talked as we each moved on to the next item on our own “to do” lists. Funny, but our tasks just happened to keep us within a few feet of each other. In the couple of minutes we had together, we chatted about family and I learned that while older folks in my family had had recent health improvements, a senior member of her family was in trouble.

It was a tough conversation. Internal family discussions are ongoing and plans have to be made. The situation may be grave or it may not be. But, the tension is palatable; the struggle is real. I offered to pray. And, as we stood together for just those few minutes, the presence of God was near.

We both had things to do and we quickly returned to our tasks. Our conversation turned to the mundane and the ordinary, brushing away silent tears. It was then that she commented that she was looking for some yarn. I laughed and replied that I had a roll of yellow ribbon she could have. Combined with some things she already had, it would work.

Often we find ourselves with stuff we don’t think we need. When we obtained it, it seemed like a good idea, a bargain, a future project. For you, it might be that pile of books on leadership that you bought at that conference. For someone else, it is that business card that is always falling out of your wallet. Ever wonder why it is there? Why you bought it? Why you have kept it?

Maybe God is equipping you with tools that are meant for someone else to use. Don’t be stingy. Don’t hesitate to make the offer, to share, to give things away. We are just travelers through this hurting world.

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)