Just a few weeks ago, not long after we had finished decorating the Christmas tree, I made a discovery in the living room. There, about mid-way up the tree, off to the left, all of the candy canes, which originally had been spread out among the branches of the tree, were gathered onto one branch. All nine of them.
After a few inquiries, I found my son, Isaac to be the organizer. We had this discussion:
“Isaac, would you like to spread the candy canes back out around the tree?”
“No, mommy, that is not a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“This is how they go- all together- right here.”
“Oh. okay, then.”
And we left it at that. But, he was right you know.
This morning around 7, I was reminded how right he was. Standing at my kitchen window, looking out into my back yard I saw an ambulance pull up to an adjacent house, on the street behind ours. The EMS took a stretcher into their home and they have not come back out yet…
When something like this happens, I immediately wonder, “Do they know Jesus? Is He their peace right now? Where have they placed their hope?” And I have no idea, because I do not know them at all…
You probably were taught the lesson growing up, as I was : don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. right? or for my purposes – don’t put all of the candy canes on one branch. Regardless – for practical reasons, it does make some sense. However, in matters of hope and peace, joy and love, my present state or my future, it doesn’t pan out.
Looking out my window, seeing the neighbor’s tragedy I remember – life is fleeting, pain and despair are possible. and there is only one solution. Jesus came, thousands of years ago, so that I would put all of my hope in Him. He wants me to hang every ounce of it, every bit on Him.
Hebrews 10:22-23 “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Amid all practical earthly advice, I hope that I never forget where my hope belongs. I guess all of the candy canes really should go on one branch. What a great reminder from my son!
daily portion 