Drawing a blank...

This was what I was afraid of. I was afraid I would invite people to read my blog and then draw a blank...not a thought in my head. As I sat there, that was all that came to mind...I'm drawing a blank.

Actually, drawing a blank isn't all that unusual for me. I do it quite often, usually at the most inopportune times. Once on vacation this sweet lady came off the stage with the microphone and asked me for the names of those sitting with me. These people were my family...and I almost forgot their names! I could feel myself reaching into the dark recesses of my mind and grabbing nothing but thin air. It happened again when an interviewer from the local paper sat down to ask me questions. He asked, "If you could go anywhere and do anything and money was no object, where would you go?" There is was again...blank. Couldn't think of a thing! Now maybe that was because I'm so happy here doing what I am doing, but at that moment, I couldn't even think of that! Of course later I thought of all the things I "should have said", but for that moment, I just drew a blank.

Drawing a blank....the thought brings to mind those blanks on a test where you are required to fill in the correct answer...no multiple choices, no helpful hints...just fill in the answer or get it wrong. When you first look at that page full of blanks....your heart skips a beat and you hope that this time you will remember the words.

I guess the only time we would ever think of drawing a blank as a welcome thing might be if someone handed us a blank check and told us to fill in the amount with whatever we needed. Wow...wouldn't that be awesome! To know that no matter what amount we filled in, it would be covered. That thought reminded me of a story found in the 10th chapter of the book of Luke. Most of us know it as the parable of the good Samaritan. I'll pick it up in the middle of the story: "A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man's condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I'll pay you on my way back.' " The Samaritan wrote a "blank check" of sorts. He provided for the man's needs.

There are many instances of provision in the Bible....a sort of blank check to provide for needs. For example, in the Old Testament, the children of Israel were provided with manna while in the desert. They found plenty for each day....they could not gather extra and store it except for the Sabbath. Each day was provided for as it came. In addition, their shoes and clothes never wore out; (okay, so those of us who love to shop might not like that one too much.) In Lamentations, it says: "God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up.They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!" Philippians 4:19 puts it this way: "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Notice it says NEEDS. It's funny what we think of as a need now days. My son was on his way to camp and as we headed out, he told me he "needed" new headphones...only one side of his worked. It's funny how insistent he was....that is until I told him he'd need to pay for them out of his own money....then all of a sudden, the old ones would do just fine. He didn't really "need" new ones anymore.

We all have an idea of what we need. In South Mississippi, it's reasonable to think we "need" air conditioning...but people lived here for hundreds of years without so much as a fan...so I guess that falls under the category of want. I "need" my computer...but I did without it for most of my life and somehow survived. I think I "need" a cup of coffee....okay, so maybe that one I do need. But seriously, what do I really "need"? Wisdom to face each day and its challenges? Done. Mercy for the many times I fail? Done. Strength to deal with "L.I.F.E - Living In a Fallen Environment"? Done. Joy, hope, faith? Done. Our Father God has written the "check" and signed His name to cover the needs of today.

Gee, I guess sometimes "drawing a blank" isn't so bad after all. Have a great day knowing that no matter what you face today....He's got it covered.