Turning the page to Proverbs 22, “The Solid Joy of Friendship,” article by Dr. Charles Stanley fell out. This happens often – that is, papers falling out of my Bible. You see, it was while visiting his church in Atlanta, Georgia, where Charles Stanley shared something he had done for years. I still have my notes from that sermon. He said to “tuck away” meaningful treasures – Encouraging notes from friends, notes from our children & family, favorite family recipes, and he said not to be afraid to write of cherished memories in the borders. Some day, our Bibles would become treasures for the generations following. I loved that idea, and couldn’t wait to begin tucking away my memories in between the pages of my Bible.
This morning, as I was looking forward to meeting my friend Edna at church, it was the article on Friendship that fell out, and as I began reading my Proverb for the day, I was reminded that my friendship with this lovely woman is about one year old now. And among my butter tart recipe and a letter from Aunt Joanie, an encouraging note from Wendy, my friend of 25 years, handwritten notes from two sweet young ladies in Chicago, and a birthday card from my Mum, are several cut out, and copied articles – little nuggets of wisdom from my friend Edna, and they continue to add up.
I have a cute little box with scripture written on the outside of it that once held greeting cards, but was sitting empty on a shelf in my closet – too cute to throw away. I was sure I’d find a way to use it ….. Some day! So I gathered up my treasures from Edna that seem to fall out of my Bible often, and a few of the other memories tucked away in between the pages. I placed them inside of that cute little box, and decided to display it in my recently redecorated “Mama Cave.” I have appropriately named it this morning, “The Wisdom Box.”
I am off to meet my friend Edna this morning, who the Lord so sweetly put in my path a year ago. She is sweet and kind and I love her to pieces. Every conversation, every email, every encounter with Edna points me closer to Christ. Everyone needs a friend like her!
I am excited to keep filling up my Wisdom Box, with nuggets from Edna and others, to someday pass on to my children and grandchildren……
I do hope that you fill up the margins of your Bibles, and I certainly pray that you have an Edna in your life, and that perhaps you realize you may even need your very own wisdom box.
Thank you, Lord, for Edna!
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
Leave a Reply