Measuring

Tuesday thoughts: (in case you'd like something to focus on other than all the political mess!)

 

I don't remember when he first started it, but my Daddy loved to take measurements of his children as they grew. Just inside the entry way to our kitchen, on a piece molding, he'd record each number.

One by one, he'd call us to him, then, taking a wooden ruler, he'd place it tenderly on top of each head and make a mark on the molding with number 2 pencil. 

 

Back then, we didn't think much about it. It was just a routine occurrence in our home. I don't know about my siblings, but I used to think everyone's father did the same thing. 

 

As we grew older, the marks on the wooden molding made their way farther up the wall. It was fun to pass by and see how much taller I was than my brother and sister, for a while. 

 

Many years later, as my siblings and I began having our children, Daddy continued the process with them sliding their measurements in between ours and also recording the names beside them.

Such a tiny thing gave him great joy. 

 

Today, I was thinking about that piece of molding and how I wished I had a photo of all the markings, but over time that house was sold. 

 

When Mama and Daddy moved into a new house, one of the first things he did was begin to record height measurements on the molding between the kitchen and formal living room. While he was living, every grandchild and great grandchild, had a special place on that wall. Those markings signified the passing of time but also signified growth. 

 

I wonder how we'd record the passing years of our lives? There's no way we could ever record every event with a pencil mark upon a wall, but God keeps a very accurate account. Psalm 139:16 says, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." What sobering thought!

 

I'd like to imagine, when we reach Heaven, God will pull out a sort of heavenly video projector and do a quick run through of our lives. We'd get to see an instant replay of not only the good things we've done, but also the bad. I don't think God would share that with us to cause us undue pain and suffering, but merely to help us realize He was with us through every single moment, recording, measuring, and caring. 

 

My earthly father is no longer marking on the walls. He's missed recording some of our newest family members measurements, but God hasn't. 

 

Today, as you think about your life, know that God sees each moment. And remember, He's promised never to leave or forsake us. That means even when we can't see Him or sense His presence, He's still there.