Butter Me Up

At dinner my husband explains why he bought this spread instead of butter. It’s been a few days since he went shopping. He knows I prefer natural butter. But I’m so grateful he shops I didn’t say anything when he brought the wrong thing home.

He goes on to explain the store was out of butter in the most caring I-know-what-you-like-and-I-want-to-please-you manner. I just beam.

My mind trails and I think, “It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with an arguing woman.” (Proverbs 21:9 NLV) Thank you God, I was not argumentative about the spread a few days ago. I would have missed this loving moment.

I choose the wrong path often enough. This time I praise God He let peace rule in my heart and let me be thankful (Colossians 3:15) rather than watch me use a sharp word to cause anger (Proverbs 15:1). Thank you, Lord for blessing me.



Gifted Quill Devotional
By Nancy Lucas
February 8, 2007
163 words

Proximity

Life is hectic this week. A project I’m passionate about sits in a bag next to my bed. Every morning I jump over it. Every night I stumble past it. It’s closest to me in the flesh and in my heart. Yet I ignore it.

It’s like this with my husband and children too. They’re nearest to me; precious to my soul. But more often than I care to admit, they are the last ones to get my affection.

John Beeler, the most humble, gentle person and dedicated husband I know gave us this advice after our wedding, “Do what the Bible says. Love your neighbor. And by the way, your spouse is your closest neighbor.”

He refers to when Paul says in Romans 13, “…and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

How would those closest respond if asked, “Do you think I love you as I love myself?”

Maybe I’ll pick up that passion tomorrow. Give my kids undivided attention. And not slip past my husband at night.



181 words
Gifted Quill Devotional
By Nancy Lucas
February 1, 2007