Making A Better Bell

     The molten metal is stirred with a long paddle to remove air bubbles and is poured into a waiting mold.  As they go about their duties, the bell workers are encircled by parishioners  who pray with and for them. It reminded me of  praying for babies when they are baptized and for religious workers as they go out into the world.

      Bells are used by many religions to call the faithful to prayer. There are families of traditional bell makers in Europe that maintain libraries of decorative molds that have embellished holy bells for hundreds of years. I recently watched a documentary on bell making and I was fascinated by the parallels between bell making and the human spiritual journey.
     Bells have different tones depending on where they are struck and their composition. The same can be said of people. What you fill yourself with, and what happens to you, impacts the way you handle things. Bells have different tones and people have unique voices and gifts.
      If we are to be vessels of love and light, we need to be concerned about our tone. "If I speak in the tongues of men, and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1) The Psalms tell me that if I wait patiently for the Lord, he will hear my cry, lift me from the pit and put a new song in my mouth. (Psalm 40:1-3). Perhaps waiting patiently is not as passive as it sounds?
     The Bible encourages us to pray, to not grow weary of doing good, be quick to listen and slow to speak and to judge not. This abreviated list may be complemented by spending time in thought provoking reading, scripture study and quiet. I can alter my composition by altering my habits, my media consumption and even how I spend my time. Some times I feel like an old, clunky cow bell. If I am more clear spiritually, God's love can be move through me more easily and beautifully. I accept the challenge.

The Sparrow

      It was as if an unseen hand refilled the decanter. The four friends had enjoyed warming snifters and were making their goodbyes. When Professor Wutheridge turned to see his friends to the door, Dudley gestured over the bottle and the brandy resumed its original level. The Professor notices but shrugs it off to strong drink and old age. This is a scene from the 1947 film, "The Bishop's Wife," starring David Niven, Carey Grant, Loretta Young and Monty Wooley, as the professor. If we believe that blessing is bestowed and that we are cared for by a loving God, then many things that cross our paths are not merely accidents, but instead, providence. "For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on his afflicted one. " (Isiah 49:13) What are the "brandy bottles" or refills that I've missed lately?

     I have recently moved from Utah to Texas. This is stressful. I have done most of the move and driving with my 18 year old; this is more stressful. Despite the over 24 moves I have done in my lifetime, I will say this: This was the best one yet. The circumstances were challenging, but my perspective was different. Before I even set out for Texas, I prayed. When my son argued or groused, I prayed. I was comforted by Deuteronomy 31:8 " The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged." I thought if the Lord says he is going to Texas before me, who am I to question? I started thanking him instead.
     Moving is expensive. I currently own a house and rent a house. This could fray my nerves for sure, but then I reflected on the events of the last few months. We had hoped our street would be paved for almost five years. Local politics gave way to a miracle because the day my packers came so did the road crew! I needed the fire department to come and chip a massive wood pile. The crew and chipper arrived the same day as my moving truck. The money that I saved by doing some of the packing was the exact amount that I needed for expenses in the new house. I can testify that "He is faithful in all he does. " (Psalm 33:4)
     When I look around at the world, I think God has significant issues to deal with: war, hatred, cruelty, starvation. The issues of a moving, middle aged woman seem quite insignificant. However, the One who is the Alpha and Omega is not limited or exhausted like human beings. Matthew 10:29-31 reminds me :  "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows".  I'll do what is before me, and as I do, I am confident that he has plans for me. I WILL find a job and walk the path he has prepared for me.