I've spent the last two days helping someone clean, sort and downsize. Several trash bags were set out curbside this afternoon and I enjoyed a long hot shower soon thereafter. I'm ready to put my feet up for the evening, but I couldn't resist sharing a few thoughts. As usual, God had some parallel lessons for me...some extraordinary treasures in the midst of an ordinary and tiring day.

In my sorting,

I found dated receipts...a reminder to be thankful that a job provided money to spend for necessities and a few extras.

I found greeting cards and thank you notes...reminders of relationships across the miles and expressions of gratitude for remembering special events.

I found empty boxes...reminders of things that once filled a life, but now have disappeared, so I was nudged to remember to consiously embrace every moment.

I found unopened boxes with valuable contents....yes, we often leave valued gifts unopened: an acquaintance waiting to become a friend but overlooked for one reason or another; we avoid taking a risk which could become a blessing, so we miss out; the Bible with a bookmark that never moves, so we miss out on a promise or word that God has for us.

I found old newspaper clippings...reminding me that every day has importance.

I found surplus items--multiple packages of pens, index cards and paper...reminding me that God too, blesses me in an over-abundant way.

The verses in Colossians remind us to be wise and make the most of every opportunity. For me, it was in sorting and cleaning today. Tomorrow it could be in a conversation with a friend or quiet moments of reflection as I sit on my patio drinking a cup of coffee. Frustrated with an overwhelming task of cleaning and sorting, I found some extraordinary treasures in an ordinary day. There were many object lessons for me but also a time to stop and be thankful that I was in a place to help and that I had the energy to do so. (c) Marilyn Nutter

Reflection: Stop and look for your extraordinary treasures today. Can you develop a habit of seeing God in everyday life? How can you make the most of every opportunity?

E-mail me with your discoveries of extraorodinary treasures to

marilynnutter@gmail.com

I'd be delighted to post them next month.

Summer Skewers: Easy and Cool

I have been avoiding the hot Texas temperatures the past few days. Today the heat index will be 112! This easy summer recipe is just what we need when we don't want to stand over a hot grill or turn on an oven indoors.

Wooden skewers
1 cantaloupe
1 honeydew
Thin slices of salami, proscutto and or ham
Slices of mozzarella or other cheese

Cube fruit and cheese. Fold meats into quarters. Alternate on skewers as desired.