When I first accepted Jesus as my Savior, I met two of the most remarkable people I have ever known. They were in their 60’s, and I was in my 20’s. They sort of adopted and took care of me in many ways, including spiritually. I saw them as my parents. They never judged me or tried to be responsible for my walk. They simply loved me and walked a life I wanted to emulate. Their names were Trevor and Dolores.
Several years after Trevor’s death, his daughter asked me if I would like to have his Bible. With unspeakable gratitude, I accepted the worn Bible in its leather cover with tabs placed at the beginning of each book. I remembered Trevor telling me that as he got older he had trouble remembering where the books were located in the Holy Scriptures. The tabs provided him a way to find the books quickly and without frustration experienced because of failing memory. Believe me, I understand that now as I stand at the latter part of my sixth decade.
I use this Bible on a daily basis. True, I think I have become dependent upon the little tabs that tell me where each book is, in order to find my way around. But I wouldn’t give up this treasure for anything in the world for many reasons.
Being dependent upon a guide to the Bible reminds me that I am totally dependent upon God’s word to live my daily life. I have been reading the Bible for over 40 years, and I have some idea where certain themes/lessons are. But this is a book I could read all day for the rest of my life and never be able say I know it all. The lessons are new each day, and I am grateful to find certain passages with ease.
Like me, Trevor wrote in the margins of his Bible. When I search the Scriptures for understanding, comfort, and more knowledge of God, I find Trevor’s little notes. These were his way of recording his own revelations and understandings during his searches through the years. It is like he is still teaching and loving me through his words, as I travel on my personal spiritual journey. I can clearly see his questions, his moments of epiphany and his sense of humor. What gifts these are – what blessings!!
Perhaps one of the most poignant things about this book is that as I use it, I gain more gratitude each day for God’s word and for the people He sent to grow me spiritually. Like all people in close relationship, Trevor and I had our disagreements. But this man truly loved the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind. And he truly loved me. I find myself humbled that even through separation by the curtain of death he continues to show me what that looks like.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Trevor.
Copyright February 2018
llpadgett
Lakewood, CO 80401
Connect with me on Twitter @lauraleepadgett or my Facebook Author Page
Check out the books I have published:
“Dolores, Like the River,” available at Westbow Press, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and all major online retailers.
The award-winning “Jesus in Shorts: Twenty-five Shorts Stories of Life-Changing Jesus Moments,” available now at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
If you would like an autographed copy of my books and you live in the U.S., please click on the tab on my home page for buying books. I will send you one after you purchase there.
I bet that Bible is full of Trevor’s wisdom too.
Yes, indeed it is. The older I get, the more I treasure the wisdom of the elders.
Yes, indeed it is. Thanks Dawna for commenting. Sorry it took me a while to get back to you.
I love it, Laura! It makes me think of all the people God placed along my journey of learning about the Lord and becoming closer to Him. By the way, I thank God that He brought you back into my life to be one of those mentors! May He bless you abundantly. ~~Tammy
Thanks Tammy. Always good to hear from you. Thanks for your encouragement. I too am glad God brought us back together. Love to you today, and blessings on your writing journey.