FRAGILE!!!

We ordered an item from a wonderful company in Rhode Island. They consistently use a shipping company whose driver was extremely nice and very helpful. Twice, we received damaged goods which necessitated returns.

Whoever was in the warehouse or at the loading dock had NO CLUE what fragile meant. The end was totally squashed.

The package had tire tracks across the middle. The other end fared no better and looked as if they had dragged it through the mud to boot!

The damaged goods inside the package made it unsafe to use as it was intended. (Being the infamous repurposing queen I am, it will not go to waste, but that is another story.)

So the mishap has turned me to thinking about – you guessed it – a spiritual application and object lesson.

The items were packed carefully at the company but through someone’s poor work ethic, they were damaged beyond repair. I don’t know if a little van, big truck, or one of those really cool loading fork-lifts (like I’ve always wanted to drive) ran over it. It doesn’t matter. The damage was done.

God made us perfect and packaged us exactly as He intended us to be. Along the way, He provides opportunities for us to grow, learn, and draw closer to Him.

However, sometimes the ‘package’ He lovingly formed and sent to this place and time may get damaged. Sometimes the damage is a result of a person’s own choices (dang cookies!). Sometimes, other people cause injury to the deepest core of another.

I wonder how many times I have acted like that vehicle. Through carelessness, I run over another’s feelings. I fail to tend to others because of selfishness of my time, energy, or funding. Sometimes, a cruel word or flippant criticism can destroy the hopes and dreams of someone.

Grammie Rant / Parenting Tip

Don’t get me wrong. I am NOT talking about parents being consistent in guiding their children and correcting bad behavior or careless habits. That needs to be done. But I am saying, be careful how you do the disciplining, aka training.

For example. The child is supposed to make her bed and doesn’t quite get it right.

My first thought is, has the child actually been taught properly, and has the parent practiced WITH her enough that she understands the process?

Does the parent yell, ‘You’re a slob! No way is that done right!’ Negative name calling = a big Bozo NO-NO!

Perhaps a better way is, ‘You gave it a good try, baby. Look at that rascally sheet corner. Can you tell me how you could get that sheet to not peek out from under the bedspread?’ Affirmation, specific steps to rectify the problem, then a redo = good parenting.

Back to old ladies. We’re a difficult lot. We sometimes say things we shouldn’t before our mind properly processes it. No excuse! Thinking before speaking is good advice at any age.

There is advice I heard all my life – ‘Say what will be a blessing or don’t speak at all.’ Ephesians 4:29 TLB ‘Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing.’

Ephesians 4:1-3 TLB Paul begged them ‘to live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit and so be at peace with one another.

By loving others and showing God’s love, may we all care for fragile spirits and lives within our sphere of influence.

Blessings

Kara Beth