devotional

Woven Blessings
Winter 2008

by Sheri L. VanDuyn

The Blind Girl 

There was once a blind girl who hated herself for no other reason except that she was blind and she hated everyone else too, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry him.  ……..   

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boy-friend. Her boyfriend asked her, "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?"  . . . . . . . .

The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind. Not wanting to be burdened by a 'blind' person, she refused to marry him. Her loving, devoted and understanding boyfriend walked away in tears his heart obviously broken. . .   

The girl who had been so fortunate to have the world opened up to her, continued enjoying it; day in and day out… trying to never miss a single pleasure
life had to offer.

A while later she received a letter from her ex-boy friend which stated simply....... "I sincerely hope you enjoy your life. Your happiness was all that ever mattered to me. I am so happy that you are enjoying life as I always hoped you could. I would like to ask one parting favor of you, my dear.......... Just take care of my eyes." . . . . . . .  .

This, as sad as it may seem, is how the human brain changes when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and who's always been there even in the most painful situations.

Every school year there is certain tasks that I do for my students because I love them and I want them to know they are special. I do these things only for this reason and I am not looking for a Thank you. I am sometimes surprised by the thanks that I receive and the thanks that does not come immediately, but months later. Every year at Graduation the Staff makes a wonderful Graduation breakfast. Usually only a handful of students come back to the serving line to say thanks! Are we looking for a Thank you? We can only hope that these graduates who are about to go into the world will remember to give

Life Is a Gift ~ A New Year is Here! ….. .

Before you think of saying an unkind word -
Think of someone who can't speak.........

Before you complain about the taste of your food -
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.........

Before you complain about your husband or wife -
Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion..........


Before you complain about life -
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.........


Before you complain about your children -
Think of someone who desires children, but they're childless..........


Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep -
Think of the people who are living in the streets.
..........

Before whining about the distance you drive -
Think of someone who walks the same distance.
.........

And when you are tired and complain about your job -
Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job...........

But, before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -
Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one Maker.........

And when your thoughts seem to get you down -
Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.   

Life is a gift...it is why we call it the PresentLive it and Give thanks!

Ten Healed of Leprosy~ Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this one?" Then Jesus said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."-Luke 17: 11-19

Return to: Just Patterns Magazine


Just Patterns

The Idea Magazine for Basketmakers

(616) 846-7926 * sheri@justpatterns.com