04/17/2024
Where do you put your trust?
I’ve got an old wooden swing in my yard that I like to sit on. It’s a little weather-worn but its solid and brings me much pleasure. As I sat in it yesterday, enjoying the warm glow of spring, I noticed how the chains were creating shadows on the arms of the swing. It almost seemed they were playing a part in keeping the swing hanging.
The shadows moved softly, larger then smaller, larger then smaller, and as I gently rocked in the swing, I admired their simplistic beauty. They were so much prettier than the actual rusty chains that hold my swing aloft.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized this is an apt illustration of life. Don’t we often admire and chase after what is fake rather than what is real? Don’t we gravitate to the shiny rather than the substance? We can be tempted to trust in shadows rather than relying on God’s strength.
The real chain on my swing is strong. It is rusty from withstanding wind, rain, thunderstorms, and the beating sun of summer. I know I can trust it. If I attempted to hang my swing on the shadow instead of the real thing, I would be sorely mistaken and I would end up on the ground.
Philippians 4:8 says, we should think on whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, things that are excellent, things that are worthy of praise. Amid a world that glorifies glitz, glam, and shadowy imitations, we need to constantly focus on God. He is trustworthy. He is dependable. He is our strength. He is all we need.
Marcy Ardis
Assistant Director, Flowers for the Pastor's Wife