Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Tuesday!  All is in memories here at 811 today.  Casey died six years ago today.  Lots of memories. Nearly all of them funny, joyful, touching and today the overwhelming awareness of how much we miss him.  Thank you to all of you who have written kind and wonderful messages on FB. Yes, he had a smile that would melt your heart, a voice that made angels stop and listen or at least the restaurant guests at Macaroni Grill on one day a year and a heart filled with love for his family, his friends and God.  

The candle is lit…

Dear God, the scope of your love is so deep, so wide, so great, so powerful, so all-encompassing!  How faithful you are! Lord, I sing glory to your name. I feel the inspiring and directing touch of your hand on mine.  Lord, through your loving and understanding heart you have brought me through so many life experiences. And even though tonight brings tears of sadness and remembrance of the loss of Casey, your grace has allowed me not to dwell on the final moments, but the wonderful memories of Casey’s life that was fun, filled with love, joy, silliness and courage. Thank you for blessing me with these wonderful memories. Lord, I love you and tell Casey I said I and how much I love him. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I have been teaching children for a very long time. I have held a child’s hand as they first picked up a pencil and attempted to write the letters of their name.  A student’s name is usually the first word they learn to write and the first word they recognize.  The student holds the pencil and my hand will often cover their hand as they begin to shape the letters. As we work together the student does not move smoothly.  The hand of the student is a bit resistant to the teacher’s guidance.  But soon the student begins to trust the teacher and the writing dance becomes smoother and the feel of how the shaping of the letters works.  This trust process takes time and practice. There is praise for both student and teacher because the student has placed himself/herself in the capable hands of the teacher and allowed their writing to be shaped by the touch of the teacher. 

How difficult is it for us to surrender to the touch of Jesus and allow Him to shape our lives?  When we trustingly surrender ourselves over into the capable hands of our Savior and Teacher the results are far greater than when we try to do things on our own power. Do we resist the help of Christ?  Our actions and attitudes are always better when we allow God to guide us and shape us into the people God created us to be.  The more we practice trustingly placing our lives in the hands of Jesus the more He can work in our lives the less we resist the gentle touch and guiding of our loving Lord.

“Teach me to follow you, and I will obey your truth. Always keep me faithful.”

Psalm 86: 11

Take joy in the journey praying in trusting faith as you go. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene