My 'forgetter' works too well.

A beloved parishoner in our first church appointment had a wonderful way to describe his forgetfulness. John would often say, "My 'forgetter' works better than my 'rememberer'. I think we can all echo John's quote at times. Me? Yes!!

How about you?

Yesterday, I stopped and bought a fuel filter for my pick-up and came home from the office with good intentions. I would grab lunch and go change the filter. After putting on coveralls and crawling under the truck, I realized I couldn't complete the task, because I didn't have a special fuel line releasing tool.

Hmmphh! Stupid Ford motor company! Engineers couldn't leave the design alone. They had to change the filter system!! Well, I figured I would grab the tool next time I was in town.

Hmmm, I wondered what the tool looked like so I came inside, googled the image, and saw the needed implement. The longer I looked at the image the more little gray cells in my brain started to vibrate. The images on the computer screen were so familiar. Could it be that I have that tool in my toolbox? The thought wouldn't leave and so I marched back down to the garage and began a search. With each new drawer pulled open, my curiosity increased and on the last drawer pull.....VOILA! There was the elusive tool that I didn't think I owned. Apparently, my 'forgetter' was working overtime yesterday.

In ten minutes time, the old filter was released, the new filter replaced, and the truck started with ease. My defense in this matter is simple. I used this tool quite a while ago and had forgotten I even had it..... (That's my story and I'm sticking with it!)

Many times, we struggle in life. We have a spiritual challenge in front of us and we attempt to address the task only to find we don't have the proper tools....except, we do. God's instruction book contains all that we need to learn of God's nature. We have that book to help us understand love, grace, mercy, justice, and peace. Often, we forget the Bible as a useful tool to help in our life tasks. Sometimes, as a last resort, we'll remember the Bible and begin to frantically search for it. We pull drawer after drawer in search of that book. Proverbs reminds me to keep God's multi-tool in clear view and close by.

"Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound

learning, so do not forsake my teaching. When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only

child of my mother, he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my

commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from

them." (Proverbs 4:1-5, NIV)

Make daily Bible reading part of your day today and everyday. Don't 'forget'!