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Silver In The Slop . . .
...While the pigs slurped and chewed and guzzled and the slop disappeared, strange and beautiful objects slowly began to emerge and sparkle in the summer sunshine. When the pigs finished their Sunday feast, lying in the bottom of the trough were assorted pieces of genuine Newnan House Restaurant silverware. Knives, teaspoons, salad forks, serving spoons - several pieces were accidentally tossed into the slop each week by busboys working feverishly to keep pace with the Sunday crowd. Mr. Marrott was too busy to be concerned with the loss of a few stray pieces of silverware.

"Better to lose a knife or fork than a customer. Keep the pieces," he said.

Rescued from the slop and scrubbed clean (several times!) our silverware collection grew steadily by three or four pieces each week. By the end of the first summer, an entire setting for eight, plus serving pieces, lay securely inside our kitchen, second drawer from the top, next to the sink. We used the silverware at first only for special occasions. As the collection grew, however, we broke with convention and used the good stuff every day.

For years our family, friends, neighbors, even Mr. Marrott himself, ate meals with genuine Newnan Restaurant silverware rescued from the pig slop.

Now, over thirty years later, two Newnan House Restaurant teaspoons rest securely in my own kitchen, second drawer from the top, underneath the oven.

How I treasure these silver pieces ransomed from the slop so many years ago! Two little spoons remind ME that, even in the worst times and the most unexpected places, there are lessons to be learned and blessings to be discovered. God's presence abides even when the world seems merely a jumble of chaos and confusion.

Silver in the slop! It can always be found if we have the patience to wait, to watch, and to recognize God at work in each moment of our lives. Remembering this, I rest in the assurance that God's blessings, sparkling and eternal, dwell in the loneliest night, the coldest winter, and the deepest distress.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

The Bra Of My Dreams...

...It wasn't just the bra. It was her attitude concerning the bra.

The Madras School girl's restroom was packed with fourth graders washing up after morning recess. I was elbowing my way through the crowd when Betsy Fowler's shrill voice rang above the chatter.

"Well, look at this. My bra strap just won't stay in place."

An uneasy silence enveloped the Madras School girl's restroom. Betsy shoved a very obvious white strap underneath the shoulder of her sleeveless pink and white polka-dot shirtwaist dress and smiled smugly.

I hated her at that moment.

It didn't matter that being the largest girl in the class she would naturally be the first to need a bra. It didn't matter that as an only child Betsy was constantly showered with gifts from adoring parents. All that mattered was that Betsy Fowler was the first girl in the Madras School fourth grade to wear a bra and she had succeeded in making the rest of us aware of that fact. Though it was not discussed openly, I firmly believe that, right then, every girl in that restroom silently vowed to secure a bra before sundown.

Me included.

For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me...And my God shall supply all your NEEDS according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Selection from Philippians 4:11-20 (New American Standard)