.png)
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” Mark 8:17-21
I had to go to the dentist on Wednesday to get my six-month cleaning. I get into a state when I go, mainly because I have bad teeth and gum disease and cavities seem to spring up out of the air. So walking in and sitting down, I wasn't in a good head space. Then I saw this sign:
First, I have to say I was so happy to see a sign like this in a dentist's office. He's not afraid to show his love of God! That makes me want to stick with him - and he's also really good! I then really took some time to read the sign, slowly.
Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people.
Do I do this? Not always! Even after God has shown me miracles - a restored relationship, a person changed, myself seeking to know Him better. He has shown me wonderful things about people and yet I still forget.
A heart that forgives the worst.
This one is really hard for me. I think I've forgiven, yet it keeps coming to mind - and not in a way that tells me I've truly forgiven. Yet I've seen miracles - families forgiving murderers, marriages restored after forgiveness. Again, I see miracles all around and yet I still forget.
A mind that forgets the bad.
I honestly don't know if this one is possible and maybe it's not meant to be. But I'm wondering if for this one, we don't forget, but once again, we are pointed to God and His way of "bringing good out of bad." I can look back on the bad and see where God has led me, how He has grown me and changed me. And yet I still forget.
A soul that never loses faith in God.
My knee-jerk reaction to this was, "No, I never lose faith in God." BUT - is that true? Don't I sometimes try to "help" God in certain situations? Don't I turn to Him after I've tried other solutions? I don't ever "lose" faith in God, but I sure don't TRUST Him to handle everything all the time! Even after all the times He has brought me through something; even after all the mess I've seen Him restore. I still forget.
Take heart today! Even the disciples forgot at times. Can you imagine being with Jesus and watching him feed over 5,000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish? What a miraculous sight that must have been - yet the disciples had to be reminded. And reminded. And reminded. We are all human, we make mistakes, and we have to be reminded, over and over. And God never says, "I'm done with you. My patience is over." He continues to lovingly remind us of His goodness, His mercy, His grace, His love.
Thank you, God, for being so patient with me and lovingly reminding me to see the best, to forgive the unforgivable, to remember how good came from bad, and to go to You first in everything! I thank you for daily reminders!
I don't know what struggles you are facing today, but God knows. I have a God that loves me, that never leaves me, and that reminds me of the goodness of others and you can have that also! I'd love to share Him with you today. And for those who already know Him, what reminders have you seen of His goodness and love? I'd love to hear your stories.
And by the way, I got a good report at the dentist! Hooray! Let's see how many times I need to be "reminded" before my next 6-month visit.
Comments