It’s not always ideal to have to make the trip from one side of Cleveland to the other, but after our Bible study Monday evening, focusing on Matthew 14:22-33, in which walking-on-water Jesus saved not-so-walking-on-water Peter, the full moon started to emerge with its eye-catching beauty in the sky. One of the details in that story is the time when Jesus starts defying the laws of physics. Scholars say the literal translation would be “in the fourth watch of the night,” meaning between 3 and 6am.
Last week, I had to take a detour from a road that seemed to never get any attention since we moved here several years ago. Nevertheless, the bold “Road Closed” sign forced me to alter from this version of “we’ve always done it this way.” We weren’t exactly running behind schedule, but it was still a nuisance, nonetheless. And then this car in front of us, on this particular “road less traveled,” had a bumper sticker that seemed to be as outlandish as the detour: “I hope something good happens to you today.” The alteration ended up being worth it, in the end.
Sparky seems to be our de-facto neighborhood dog. A couple times each day, he’ll do his obligatory stroll up-and-down our block with one of his “parents.” Our children thoroughly look forward to the possibility of even seeing him through our front windows, let alone the thrill if he’s walking towards them on the sidewalk. All he needs to do is place his front paws up on the stroller with his own canine-version smile and a joyous tail-wag while allowing them to pet his fluffy goodness (and maybe even one of the “parents” will hand off a treat to be shared with him) and their day is made, leading to smiles and giggles whenever his name is mentioned the rest of the day. Granted, perhaps they’re easily amused, but sometimes the animals have a way of uplifting the soul that we cannot overlook.
Word has it that people seemed to appreciate the worship song selections even more so this past Sunday: from “Here I Am, Lord” and “Shine, Jesus, Shine” at 9am, to “Oceans” and “Graves into Gardens” at 11am. And perhaps there was deeper appreciation because of worldly happenings that were weighing on people’s hearts and minds and to the depths of the soul.
It was evidently on this date in 1846, that a man named Elias Howe Jr. was granted the patent for the sewing machine that would impact homes and factories ever since. I will be the first to admit that I have no earthly idea how to use one myself, but I admire those who do. It seems to require patience, precision, the keenest eye, and a flare of creativity…none of which are in my personal wheelhouse even with all the Holy Spirit assistance. Nevertheless, for those who are not only capable, but thrive off such a craft, they very much help the rest of us ensure that our daily living can go on as normal. Now, of the few I have seen over the years, there is one sewing machine I remember the most.
