Month: July 2019

About eighteen years ago, I purchased a collection of Rooster ceramic plates on a rusty-metal rack. They looked great! We figured the best place for them was in the dining room, so that’s where we hung them.

Often, throughout the years I’ve looked at the rusty-metal rack and have been inspired to display my western-scene bear and coyote ceramic plates, but then I hear a faint, glass-smashing sound and I just shake off the thought. Meanwhile, I have a lonely display rack begging for ceramic, make that plastic, plates to display*.

One day when I came home my wife said to me, “Honey, I’m so sorry about your plate.” When I asked what had happened, she told me she was sweeping and ‘accidentally’ hit the rack and smashed a plate. I was silent for a few seconds, then told her it was okay since I still had three more. That’s when she said, “Well, not really.” “See, I swept back & broke another one.” I was silent again thinking that at least two plates had survived the storm. As I asked to see the remaining two, I was informed she swept back and broke a third one. At that point I was really questioning how much of an ‘accident’ this really was… “Well, I asked, did anything survive?” “Yeah”, she said “The rusty-metal rack.” I asked her, “Honey, what did you do???” You must have had some kind of party accidentally sweeping back and forth again and again.” I couldn’t grasp how that could have been an accident. Usually, at the sound of breaking glass we stop, but she kept going and going and going.

Well, on a regular basis my wife will tell me to clean up or get rid of stuff. Then, for years, she’s been telling me, “It’s very frustrating for me, cause you won’t allow me to clean up for you.” Are you kidding?!! If that was an accident back then, I can only imagine what intentional looks like!!! Graciously, I tell her I will put things away and try my darndest to do so. Of course, I inconspicuously make sure to keep brooms away from her at those times.

Now and then, most of us have had items of significance taken away, whether through an ‘accident’ caused by others or ourselves. It sometimes hurts. Sometimes, it may not have been an item but maybe a person or a job that was lost. When our dreams are shattered, no amount of glue can paste them back. Neither welding, smelting, or other means can replace what is gone. If your life is broken, smashed asunder, only Jesus can bond it back; only He can rebuild it. Only He can give us new dreams and new hopes. Only Jesus can display your life for others to see, and it doesn’t have to be on a rusty-metal rack. He’ll put your name in The Lamb’s Book Of Life (Revelation 21:27) and all of heaven will know who you are. Everyone around you here on earth will know you were once broken but now are whole; made new.

Last Sunday, June 30^th, marked our 24^th year on ‘Paradise’ island; otherwise known as the “Island of Enchantment.”  Just before leaving our native New York, a word from the Lord came forth at our church through our pastor’s wife.  The word had to do with plenty of storms and contrary winds that would shake up a lot of things.  That word would be ‘right on the money’ as the saying goes.  We’ve had our share of turbulent times-and ‘it aint over yet!’

Enchantment is a way of being lulled over.  Yes, the island is beautiful and enticing with clear skies, deep blue and green waters; mountains all around, but life is awfully tough.  Despite so many advances in technology, we’re worlds away from life in the states.  Marching to a different drum, allowed us time to learn to mix cement by hand; not pre-mixed concrete but truckloads and wheelbarrow loads of gravel, sand, water, and the cement.  Like the time we mixed thirty-one 47lb. sacks for half our porch and then thirty-three more the second time around.  We learned shovels had different characteristics and purposes.  We (son and two daughters also) learned to carry cinder blocks, etc.  In fact, our oldest daughter took her newfound skills and taught them to Masai tribe members in Tanzania, Africa.  She also taught ‘machista’ teenage boys in Mexico that a girl could do the same thing they did; only better, by mixing cement right before their incredulous eyes.  Yeah man, to locals, we were the ‘Gringos’ living in the mountains.  We were The Robinson Crusoe on a quest to escape the city life; on a quest to breathe clean air; on a quest to be independent as well as survivors.

 In time we’ve come to realize this is our wilderness.  Hopefully, we won’t be here for 40 years like the Israelites were wandering in circles, though it sometimes feels that way!  But this is where God wants us.  This is our training camp.  Does that mean we’ll be in the construction business in heaven?  I don’t think so!  I’m petitioning against that right now and giving Him some suggestions!  But God teaches us and speaks to us in our daily activities.  He changes our lives and our perspectives on things.  Things we thought to be important lose some of their significance.  Must-haves become, eh-maybe someday…  As He works in us, we learn to keep our focus on Him and on His desires. We learn to consult Him for everything we do or plan.  As we’re in tune to nature-the trees and all that surrounds us, we hear His voice; not a mystical, spooky voice but in our hearts and in our spirit, we sense His direction.  Of course, you don’t have to live atop a mountain with breath-taking views or near a rainforest.  Heck, you may not even be surrounded by lush vegetation breathing in clean mountain air all day long, and God may not take you to tribes ‘outta-the-way,’ but He can and will use you right where you are.  However, if you’re an adventure-seeker, by all means, let Him know!  He’s got a plan for you!

So, we’ve had our ups and downs and have learned to do a lot of things on our own.  We’ve learned to survive and to hold on to the man Jesus, the One who told a thief, “Today, you’ll be with me in paradise.”  Someday soon we’ll be headed to heaven.  No shoveling and hopefully, no cement mixing!  As we look back at almost a quarter century of our lives here, we can definitely see God’s hand leading us, feeding us, providing for us, and shielding us from the storms.  He’s got us in the palm of His hand.  It’s the safest place to be.  Our adventures are many, and God’s in control.  How about you?  Do you need some adventure in your life?  Need a little zest?  I could suggest moving out here (Puerto Rico)!!!  But for a real adventure, seek Jesus and invite Him into your heart.  You’ll be enchanted forever.

God Bless!

Sam

Work on our balcony and deck by me

Enjoying the mountaintop view