Sticks and Stones

What if we were given an assignment to create fresh “old” adages?  New famous old sayings.

Sticks and stones may break my bones…but they can also make a lovely centerpiece, according to HGTV.

The early bird…has to contend with fog and school buses.

If at first you don't succeed, try a different credit card.

A bird in the hand…had better be wearing a diaper.

Curiosity didn't kill the cat, but it sure made him think.

Too many cooks…are vying for the next Food Network show.

If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say that you can't think of anything nice to say about them.

Love covers a multitude of…

Hmm.  No convenient or clever way to make that say something other than its original intent as recorded in God’s Word.  Love covers a multitude of sins.  All offenses.

“Here, this should cover it,” the Lord says as He lays His love on top of the bill of our sin debt.  With that single act, He creates a pattern for our responses to those who offend us.

My husband was distracted by the ball game and forgot to ask what happened at my doctor’s appointment?  Love.  That should cover it.

My friend was short-tempered with me?  Love.  That should cover it.

My kids were unappreciative?  Love should cover it.

My pastor neglected to mention my prayer need?  My neighbor’s car left an oil spot in my driveway?  My hairdresser told the whole world my real hair color?

Love ought to cover it.

PRAYER: Lord, so often I let my natural reactions smother love rather than the other way around.  Pour Your grace on thick, so I can operate in the truths of Your Word, including Your instructions to view every offense against me with the attitude, “Love.  That ought to cover it.”

“Love covers a multitude of sins,” Proverbs 10:12b KJV.

Today’s devotional is by Cynthia Ruchti, writer and producer of the radio ministry THE HEARTBEAT OF THE HOME and current president of American Christian Fiction Writers.  Cynthia’s debut novel—They Almost Always Come Home—releases from Abingdon Press in Spring 2010.  Cynthia writes stories of hope that glows in the dark.  www.cynthiaruchti.com.