Address book transformed
July 29th – the day we’ve been anticipating with excitement and dread. It’s here. It’s 5:00 am as I write this and Tyler’s trip to San Diego is one breakfast away. He is on his way with only the clothes on his back and an address book. Well, that’s what it looks like on the outside, but we transformed it into so much more. Are you curious?
Last week I visited my local office supply sales guy, Jim Middleton and told him I needed an address book for Tyler’s 13 week Marine Boot Camp. Jim pointed me to a shelf where there was a supply of all models. Knowing Tyler, I chose the smallest (he’s not going to be writing to a crew of people) and the most durable (I’ve seen his shoes).
Inside his address book are some addresses: Mom, Dad, Katelyn, Grammy, Papa, and his very best friend Rian. Maybe a few others were added. These are the normal things you will find in an address book. When he’s got time to write, the addresses are there and they are there to remind him of how to have a good day. Philippians 4:8-9 “ Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” There is also a book of stamps so he can send at least one letter each week with an extra few thrown in. There are also pre-printed address labels, just a few to make it easy to send that first letter that gives us his complete and correct address. Please! Have you seen an address label for someone in the Military? We need a postcard sized label to write all the numbers, streets, and secret codes. Pictures! Did you know if you print pictures on labels you can stick them randomly on unused pages of an address book? Seriously. How many names do you know that begin with Q or X or I … and you get 4 pages for each letter. Pictures fit quite nicely on a 2 inch square shipping label. Interspersed in the little book are messages from us at home. We told him we’re proud of him, we love him, and we know he can do this. Remembering the program described in brute detail last week, Tyler will read our messages more than once while he’s surviving Boot Camp. There’s a verse that has been a lifeline for me at times. Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. “ How many of us use that motivation to keep going forward when all we want to do is coast …. Or maybe just stop all together. But we press on and on until we regain our traction and momentum carries us forward.
Interspersed in his “Address Book Transformed” are treasures from the source of peace, source of light, and source of hope. Printed on mailing labels, Tyler will find these words scattered on random pages. “They who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 28:28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcEvUjkskoI
Because of Grace we Press On