Consistent Coals of Kindness

Her stepmother’s hands shook while preparing the meal. Despite ice-cube comments hurled at her over the years and today, Hester wished she could soothe her stepmother’s malady. Later, her palsied hands dropped the butter dish. When Hester bent to help pick up the pieces, she received a jab from a bony elbow. Undaunted, she arose and began drying dishes for her stepmother. Frigid remarks followed, but instead of dueling with demeaning words, Hester accepted an icy insult, admitting the fault pointed out. Her stepmother finally succumbed to consistent coals of kindness, tears flowing, words tumbling out that told the story of her frozen heart, now beginning to melt.

Dealing with Drought

Before the trip, their lawn looked good—green, lively, lush. But upon returning, they found the yard yellow, droughty, dry. Why? June’s heat beat down with nobody around to water the flowers and grass. The good news? This caused them to consider how to avoid the situation the next time they take a summer trip.

The Word of God is as important to our spiritual well-being as watering is to the flora. We need to read the Word every day. Some prefer to read in the morning; others prefer to read in the evening. But the important thing is that we regularly read and heed the Bible. If we want to flourish for our Father, we will take time to read His Word.