Loveful

Wow. It's been over a month since my last post - it's been a very busy month!

And I wanted to write this post about my pencil case. I love my pencil case. Not because of its looks, or its durability (I've had it for a good six years now) or its convenient size. But because it carries all of the stationary I could need whilst at uni. Pens, highlighters, stapler, correction tape, scissors, pacer, eraser - and more - are all stored within my little blue and grey friend.

And yesterday after uni I was motivated to tackle some of my dreaded homework. I reached into my bag to grab my trusty stationary-swiss knife ... and he was missing.

"I must have taken it out already" I assume.

Further investigation of my bag, desk, floor and underneath my bed reveal no clues of my pencil case's whereabouts.

My heart starts to drop a bit.

"Where could I have put it?" I ask myself.

I search the living room and kitchen, finally returning to my room to have a double-take.

Nada. Zilch. Zero. No pencil case to be found. At this point I'm surprisingly upset that I have lost my pencil case. Not only did I not have a pen to use at that precise point in time, but I would then have to go an purchase stationary to replace what was lost - costing both time and money - two things that I am rationing-out at the moment!

I sit down that night and ponder - what could I learn through this circumstance? Should I install some form of GPS tracking system to my pencil case? Should I hang it on a chain like some people do with their wallets? Should I wear my lab coat with convenient breast pockets all day?

I don't know about you, but God seems to like to teach me things through experience. And then it hit me. I turn my ear and listen intently.

I had such a deep sense of loss about something so materialistic as my pencil case. Seriously - it's just a bunch of pens and pencils - all replaceable. And I was deeply convicted that I didn't have that same - if not more powerful - sense of loss over a friendship. I watched it slip right through my fingers and didn't even think to cup my hands and catch it. I didn't mourn over the loss as I did with my pencil case.

God must get tired of reminding me to love. Paul tells us to be devoted to each other in brotherly love, and to honour one another above ourselves (Rom 12:10).

I'm sorry brother, I will endeavour to love you so abundantly.

Oh and I found my pencil case the following day - it was right where I left it in the Microbiology lab. Phew!