Ephesians 6:24
May grace be given to everyone
who loves our Lord Jesus Christ
with a love that will never die.
These agave plants grow plentiful on my property in Honduras. Well over six feet tall, the thorns on the end are brutally painful when they come in contact with our fragile human skin. Hurts like all get out and even draws blood. The thorns that line the spikes from top to bottom add to the damage.
Once you “know” how painful an encounter with them is, believe me you maneuver around those lethal spikes with great care. Reminds me of some people I know. What about you? Bring anyone to mind?
But I’m not going to leave us there.
What we don’t know until we dig a little is deeper is that inside those spikes is a fiber called sisal. It is used to make rope and in many areas hammocks. Some varieties provide agave nectar and others the base for tequila.
Who knew that? Just because our first experience was a painful encounter.
Here’s what I’ve learned from my first encounter with the people who leave me with the impression that makes me want to run. Keeping my distance, I observe and ponder what makes them so hostile. Yet many times I have discovered a gem of value inside that hostility.
What was a bad first impression turned out to be a good surprise.
But maybe I’m even more grateful when it was my spikes that repelled someone yet they were/are patient enough to find what lay under the surface.
Maybe I’ve learned first impressions aren’t always what meets the eye and that there is a treasure to be found in each of us. Maybe it’s worth our time and energy to be more patient to those we meet.
I’m loving this scripture.
And the following bring me great encouragement and hope. I pray they lift you up with a desire to draw even closer to Him.
Psalm 86:15-16
But Lord, you are a God who is tender and kind.
You are gracious.
You are slow to get angry.
You are faithful and full of love.
Turn to me and show me your favor.
Give me strength and save me.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you.
He is mighty enough to save you.
He will take great delight in you.
The quietness of his love will calm you down.
He will sing with joy because of you.
“Lord, we praise Your name in all things. We stand amazed at the depth of Your love for us. That of the billions of people who have walked this earth, You still come close to us, caring and loving us. We praise You, we love You. Amen”
Your traveling buddy,
Janet