Spiritual Lessons from Gallon Man

By Hally Franz –

“Gallon Man” reminds me a bit of the old character, Pacman. His head is formed from the letter G, and the opening appears to be Gallon Man’s mouth. If my interpretation is correct, he is viewed from a side profile, and is outfitted with four spots or eyes that are also visible from the side shot. Those are formed by evenly spaced Q’s, which of course have two P’s in each of them. His detailed and symmetrical design is completed with two little C’s that exist inside each of the P’s, inside each of the Q spots (or eyes). We know there are 16 cups in a gallon, 8 pints in a gallon, and 4 quarts in a gallon. Try drawing one for yourself.

When I arrived to pick up my daughter from a recent after-school tutoring session, this was the explanation I observed in the final minutes. This British-born teacher was working with my girl on American “standard” units of measurement. She had been through yards, feet and inches as well that day. And, as she wrapped up her lessons, she made a very simple, but profound comment in her wonderful English accent, which her students adore.

She said that “Heavenly Father is a God of order.”

My daughter attends a Christian school, so comments regarding faith are made often throughout the day’s activities. However, as I heard that simple proclamation, I was moved by its complete and utter truth.

There is order in His creation, perfection in His plans. In the workings of our human bodies, and in the functioning of plants and animals in our environment, we see innumerable examples of His precision. There is nothing random or left to chance, for He is in charge.

So, when we find ourselves in chaos or turmoil, whose counsel ought we seek to return order to our lives? Who provides the listening ear and the wisdom to make right a life that’s off track and out-of-whack? No, it’s not the master of measurement, Mr. Gallon Man. It’s another big “G” – the originator of all and author of order.

PRAYER: Most gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of precision, perfection and order in all You have created. May those wonders always serve to remind me to seek You at times when my life is anything but orderly.

“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. “ Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.” (Isaiah 40:25-26 NLT).