Two Wonderful Things Put Together

There is a distinct difference between what is practical (utilitarian) and what is beautiful (artful), and seldom do the two meet. However I found a company, Blueberry Guitars, that has created something both practical and beautiful. As I look at these guitars I'm reminded that all God has created is both practical (utilitarian) and beautiful (artful). "Consider the moon and the stars, " he tells us in Psalm 8, and even lets us know (same Psalm) that he has crowned us "with glory and honor." As God designed creation, it all has a purpose and it all has a loveliness to it and the two are intrinsically and inseparably bound. I don't fully understand it, but I'm glad for it. Lord, let the practical and the beautiful, the utilitarian and the artful, be fully found in all there is. Amen.

The Old Cowboy

I don't always pass on stories I receive in my e-mail, but this one is pretty dadburn good. Read and think, after you chuckle. (Thanks to my dear friend Bettie.)

One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn-out old hat and an equally worn, dog-eared Bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and fine jewelry. As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled by his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.

As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship in church." The old cowboy assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again he was completely shunned and ignored. The preacher approached the cowboy and said, "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church."

"I did," replied the old cowboy.

"And what was his reply?" asked the preacher.

"Well, sir, God told me that he didn't have a clue what I should wear. He said he'd never been in this church."