Macaroni Necklaces

My daughter was laughing as she handed me a cup that she had custom made just for me. She said, “Remember when we were kids and we gave you a macaroni necklace we made you in Bible School and even though you did not like it you wore it anyway, just because it was from us and given with love? Well, think of this cup as the adult version of the macaroni necklace.”

As I looked at the cup I saw that it had one of my favorite verses of scripture, surrounded by flowers and hearts. She explained that she told the person who made it for her that she wanted it for her Dad for Father’s Day. She told her the scripture she wanted on it and from those instructions she had a certain expectation. She certainly did not expect hearts and flowers and feminine looking artwork.

My daughter does not like confrontation and did not want to send the cup back but she gave the artist a less than perfect review. The artist quickly responded and wanted to know what was wrong and when she understood the problem asked for the cup back in order to make it right. 

I can’t wait to see what it will look like the next time I see it. Whatever it looks like I know I will love it because I love my daughter, the same reason I loved those macaroni necklaces.

The scripture on the mug is one of my favorites, Ecclesiastes 12:12b. “Of making of many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” I like this verse because I love to read but sometimes need to be reminded to get my nose out of the book and look around at life.

It is like a comic I saw that had two teenage boys meeting and one t-shirt read “Carpe Diem,” (Seize the Day), and the other read, “YOLO,” (You Only Live Once). The first boy said, “Same as yours only in Latin.”

Jesus was saying the same thing when He said, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” He preceded that with the instruction, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33-34 ESV) When we get our priorities straight everything either falls in line or falls away.

There were several times when Jesus was surrounded by children. If macaroni was around in those days I am sure he would have gotten a necklace or two, or a card with macaroni letters, as I have. I am also sure that He would have loved them for it.

I wonder sometimes if some of the things we do for Jesus as adults are just like that, in adult versions. We offer our service out of love. Jesus receives our service and returns to us the same love. Sort of makes me feel glad to be His child.

Bro. Robin