Jimbo's Jots

Keeping up with Robert Fulghum again this week, from It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It, he tells the story of a box in his office labeled “The Good Stuff”. He continues to say that there is nothing so important that if taken that the one who took it would find valuable. But he says that there is one bag, a lunch bag with duct tape, staples and paperclips. He invites us into the story of the bag. His daughter would make lunches for everyone and one particular day, handed Fulghum two bags, a lunch bag and the other bag. In the other bag were ribbons, toys and trinkets from his daughter. Fulghum open his lunch and ate. After lunch, he threw both bags in the garbage. When he got home from work, his daughter asked about the bag – she wanted her stuff back. To which now, Fulghum is racing back to his office before the janitor empties for the day. He gets there and begins the search for all of the stuff even enlisting the janitor to help. He gets home and hands the bag back to his daughter. And several days later, she hands it back to him. And he has it still.

He concludes the story with this line, “Sometimes I think of all the times in this sweet life when I must have missed the affection I was being given.”

It’s Mother’s Day! Some of us were raised by a loving mother who guided and taught us about enjoying the small things in life. Others were not as fortunate. As I read Fulghum’s story, I couldn’t help but think of all of the kids who make paper flowers, who have a homemade card, or “write” a song for their mom on Mother’s Day. Stuff in a bag!

My mind transitioned to what we bring to God. And I also think about Fulghum’s words of all the times in this sweet life that God’s Spirit has walked with me along the path and how I may have missed the affection I was given.

Moms (and sometimes Dads), I believe, are an extension of God’s presence in our lives. Or might I say, parents, we should be! Parents, let us not be found guilty of missing out on those sweet, affectionate moments that we are given every day.

My representatives of God’s affection were given the names Patsy and Bob. I’m grateful that they showed all of us kids (7 total) what it’s like to love others by loving God first. At times, we didn’t see it at the moments we were in trouble and received punishment, but even in the moments, we were always saw glimpses of grace.

So in your moments of receiving the bag of stuff, look for the moments of this sweet life and treasure the moments of affection that are shared and not missed. And Happy Mother’s Day!

Be blessed and be a blessing!