To You:
A while ago we were given a whole box full of children's chapter books. As I combed through the books with excitement, I was thrilled with the classics I found buried and anticipated reading some new adventures with my children. There was one thin book that especially caught my eye, My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett.
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As I looked at the picture on the cover, a nostalgic feeling swept over me. I used to love story time in school, sitting in a warm room after recess, listening to the teacher's voice bring the characters to life. There are many specific books I remember hearing, including My Father's Dragon.
I remembered loving the story, yet I could not remember any details except something about fruit trees. I was immediately excited to read the story aloud with my little ones.
My Father's Dragon proved to be a success again all these years later. I was surprised by the book's simple tale, but the kids were fully entertained by Elmer's adventures and the straightforward tone of silly passages.
One of the funniest themes in My Father's Dragon is Elmer's packing and use of his knapsack. In the story, Elmer learns of an island where wild animals rule. They have captured a baby dragon and use him as a slave to carry them across the river. Elmer decides to go rescue the baby dragon and packs his knapsack to go.
Of course, in his knapsack, Elmer packs "chewing gum, two dozen pink lollipops, a package of rubber bands, black rubber boots, a compass, a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste, six magnifying glasses, a very sharp jackknife, a comb and a hairbrush, seven hair ribbons of different colors, an empty grain bag with a label saying 'Cranberry,' some clean clothes, and enough food to last" (My Father's Dragon, page 18).
The real fun and clever story telling comes as Elmer uses each item in his pack to escape treacherous animals and dangerous situations. For example, Elmer evades an arm-twisting gorilla when monkeys surround the creature to see his fleas through Elmer's magnifying glasses. A ferocious lion is appeased with new ribbons for his unruly mane, and alligators turn from predators into a bridge through the expert use of lollipops.
Elmer has two more books and over the ensuing weeks we read them all, thoroughly enjoyed them, and then went on to the next choice for bedtime story.
Well, yesterday I listened to a religious speech that led my thoughts back to My Father's Dragon. In the speech, Joseph Brough says, "Heavenly Father knows what you and I need better than anyone else. As a result, He has developed a personal care package suited to each one of us."
The thought struck me that the Lord has provided each of us with just such a life-saving knapsack as Elmer had.
Heaven's Knapsack
Our knapsacks from Heaven, or care packages as Brough calls them, contain such things as "the Holy Ghost, commandments, scriptures, prayer, prophets, apostles, parents, grandparents, local Church leaders, and many others." Some of these gifts, like the scriptures, are given to all. Other items, experiences, or people in our care packages are personalized just for us.
Just as Elmer found lollipops when he faced hungry alligators, we often find the Lord has already provided when we face life's challenges.
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The provision may come as a remembrance of what a friend has recently shared that uplifts and guides. The provision may be a "coincidence" that helps us feel someone understands our needs. The provision may be the scriptures or prayer that are constantly available for our profit.
The Lord sent us to earth with all the gifts we need to return to Him.
Today I address three myths that stand in the way of our feeling the reality of that truth. As we overcome these myths, we more fully recognize the Lord's provisions in our lives.
Myth #1: I do not have what it takes.
Sometimes we don't feel we have what it takes to overcome a challenge. We lack confidence, either in ourselves or in what we've been given from God. We may think our tools are lacking.
We may have cause to ask, "Really Lord? You are giving me hair bows? You know these are lions, right?"
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But the Lord in His infinite wisdom does know that they are lions, real lions. And He knows perfectly how to provide for our needs.
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You do have what it takes to overcome life's challenges. The Lord provides.
Myth #2: I always know when God is working in my life, and it's not today.
Maybe it's been a bad day, or a bad week, or even a bad year. Hey, we've had those.
We might not always understand why we have been given certain commandments, situations, or acquaintances in our knapsacks.
We might be tempted to think that the Lord is taking a break from our lives.
It may happen that you receive an answer to a prayer that doesn't make sense.
Sometimes we feel directed to do something and do not know why.
Elmer may have wondered, "Why do I need six magnifying glasses? Won't one do?" We may question, "Why do I have to deal with this certain person? Or go this specific way? Or deal without this request?"
We may not understand the events of our lives.
But the Lord does.
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Many years ago, we were searching for a new job out of school. I was pregnant at the time. My husband felt inspired to look in a specific city where we had not planned to live and later to apply for a specific job that didn't even fit his job description. As the situation worked out, he was hired for the job we had hoped for.
We were grateful for a job, but we didn't understand why the Lord put this specific job into our knapsack until months later. Among other blessings, this job presented just the opportunities and timing we needed to provide medical care for our child that was born premature.
We have often looked back at the details of this period in our lives and wondered at how immaculately the Lord guided and provided.
God is working out the details of your life too. Trust Him.
God is working out the details of your life too. Trust Him.
Myth #3 The Lord provides for others, but I am not worthy.
Many of us may believe that God is able to provide all the blessings we need and desire, but may question, "Why would He do that for me?"
Maybe we feel ourselves unworthy of the Lord's care and attention. Maybe we feel He saves His help for the truly needy, and I am just normal.
For many reasons, many of us believe the greatest of the Lord's blessings are reserved for others.
I want to share that I know the Lord's blessings are limitless. He wants to give freely to all. Some of those blessings require our asking for them. Some of those blessings require an expression of faith before we recognize them for what they truly are.
However, the blessings of the Lord are there. They are always there because He loves us infinitely and knows us perfectly.
The Lord loves YOU infinitely and knows YOU perfectly.
Psalm 23 beautifully describes the sentiment.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
God is good. He provides all we need. He is able to lead us to eternal places of peace.
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
(I do not have any rights to the video: I just love it. ;)
The greatest Gift we are given in our knapsack is the life and atonement of Jesus Christ. He is the way to lasting joy and eternal life in the presence of our Heavenly Father and loved ones.
I hope as you go through life you will feel buoyed up by Heaven's knapsack you are invited to carry. I hope you feel God's love and guidance in your life.
Love,
Marielle
How have you seen the Lord provide for you or your family in times of need? Have you ever realized the Lord had already provided when a need arose? Please share in the comments. I love hearing from you.
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