I'm writing this blog
sitting at the cabin where there is no paper...
I needed some so I went
to the drawer that we have stocked over the years with paper along with
crayons, pens, markers, paint, pencils (plain and colored), coloring books, and
other items necessary for rainy days and other moments of creativity...
The drawer is empty of
plain paper because many people; young and old, have grabbed paper to use it
the way it was intended. Many of their creations now hang on many refrigerators
throughout the state of Minnesota. Several of them are covering the
refrigerator at this very cabin.
In fact, when two of my
grandchildren came up to spend the day with Cathy and me and their mom, one of
the first things that they wanted me to see (after greeting me with;
"Grandpa!") were the drawings that they had made during their last
trip to the cabin. They were now prominently displayed on the cabin
refrigerator for all to appreciate like the "Mona Lisa" or any other
great piece of art in the Louvre in Paris, France.
"Yes, I saw it!” I
told them as they were delighted with my response and my recognition of the
subject matter of the drawings. From there, they showed me whatever else was on
their minds and we set out for a great time at the cabin.
And now they are gone;
back to their own home as I sit and write down my thoughts...or attempt to.
As I said, the drawer is
void of any blank paper; that is except for a "Mad Libs" book which
are blank on the backsides...which is not how the book was intended to be used.
The page was made with
the intention of people filling in the blanks on the pages to create a funny
story. One player secretly fills in answers in the blanks (when requested) that
are either names, nouns, or adjectives and then, when completed, reads the
story aloud to the audience.
The game is frequently
played as a party game or as a pastime by those who like this sort of activity;
why, I'm not really sure because I'm not a fan of Mad Libs...
But I digress...or
actually, it reinforces my thoughts for this blog today.
The creators of Mad Libs
had an intended purpose for the creation of the book; beyond just the making of
money. They produced it so that people would come together and fill out the
blanks to craft a story that would be read and (hopefully) make people laugh
and have a good time.
They created it and had
a specific way that they wanted it to be used. That is why it comes with
instructions; which can also be used as a rule book for times when people
disagree on how to play the game.
It wasn't their
intention that I tear the page out of the book, turn it over, and write on the
back page which was completely blank. They didn't want me to write my own
story. No, they wanted me to use the printed side and ONLY fill in the blank
spots.
They wanted me to use it
the way that it was intended; not make up my own rules or laws to justify my
own preference. They wanted me to not change things to justify how I wanted to
use what they had created.
What have we done with
that which The Creator of heaven and earth has created? We, too, change the
rules and use all that we see differently than it was created for.
"For the wrath of
God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,
who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is
manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the
world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things
that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without
excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor
were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts
were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory
of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and
four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to
uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among
themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and
served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.
Amen." (Romans 1:18-25)
May God continue to have
mercy on each one of us!
"Woe to those who
call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for
darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are
wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! Woe to men mighty at
drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, Who justify
the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man!
Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff, So
their root will be as rottenness, And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word
of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against
His people; He has stretched out His hand against them and stricken them, and
the hills trembled. Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets.
For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out
still." (Isaiah 5:20-25)
New
King James Version (NKJV)
All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
