It was a few days before Christmas 1975, when my brother Ron and I set out on a four-hour auto trip to pick up a car his father-in-law had given as a gift. My brother was noticeably excited about taking ownership. To this day he clearly recalls every detail of the vehicle: a 1971 brown Chrysler 300, 4-door, hardtop, white interior, 440 cubic inch V-8 engine — power!

The next morning when we prepared to return home, with surprise I took the keys that Ron handed to me — keys to the "new" car. After a few moments of getting familiar with the controls, we were off with me in the lead.

During the night, a thick blanket of snow had fallen, leaving the highway a narrow, dark ribbon winding its way through the forests and over the hills. At a spot halfway along the trip, there were parked cars along both sides of the highway and traffic headed toward us. As I approached the cars, I wondered if Ron's large Chrysler would fit through the constricted space or whether would it be necessary to pull over and allow oncoming traffic to clear before advancing. At the moment of decision, I noticed a few inches leeway, just enough room to navigate if I managed to keep a steady hand on the wheel. Without decreasing speed, I safely cleared the area.

Later during a rest break, I learned of the disturbing vision which Ron experienced while watching me manoeuvre ahead of him through the congestion. When asked how I did it, I replied, "I kept my eyes on the road ahead."

When we are constricted by problems and see more of the same approaching, it is easy to become despondent. But when our eyes turn from the problems and rest on Jesus, the problems diminish and we are saved from despair.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your saving grace. Help us to remember to keep our eyes on You as we travel along life's road. Amen.

In the 1970s, I had a wonderful relationship with George — my 1969 Dodge Dart, a two-door hardtop with a slant six engine.

George always started easily and never stalled, yet he wasn't the perfect car. He wasn't dressed with fancy gizmos, he drank leaded fuel, he had no air-conditioning, and he developed strange quirks later in life. He'd throw a spark plug at highway speeds, the gear shift lever wouldn't always engage correctly, and the driver's seat would occasionally fall completely back without warning. Sometimes these problems annoyed me, but I still loved him because he was mine. I showed my love by having regular maintenance work done on time, and I kept him clean.

As I reflect on those days, I'm reminded of God's love for me. I know that I'm far from being perfect, that I have some strange quirks, and that no one gets excited when I enter a room. But God loves me anyway, and He provides and cares for me. No doubt, I annoy God at times by failing to do what I know is right. But God is merciful and patient. He teaches me and corrects me, but He never stops loving me — because I am His. He enjoys spending time with me.

George always started easily, and I pray that I may always be as willing and eager a servant. Yes, that car served me well. It pleased me. I will try to serve and please my God just as well, so that one day, I might hear Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:21 KJV)

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your love and care. We pray that we will always be willing servants who please You. Amen.

Although it was early in the growing season, the trees in the garden were dressed in their full summer greens. Most of the flower beds were filled with a variety of interesting plants, and blossoms of vivid colours accented the gardens.

One tree caught my attention. The tree itself was not unusual; it was just a common white birch. It was where the tree was growing that was fascinating. Triumphantly perched on top of the remains of an old dried tree, the birch stood tall and straight, with its knotted roots twisted tightly around the stump. Surrounding the base of this strange sight grew bright red poppies that spilled unto the pathway. For some time, I stood staring in amazement at this odd combination of vegetation.

This scene of the white birch rising from a dead base reminded me of how God has made it possible for us to rise up from our sinful past and emerge with new and vibrant lives. As we grow and become more like Jesus, our old sinful nature dries up, as did the stump. He clothes us with garments white as snow, like the birch tree wrapped in white bark. The red poppies that spilled onto the pathway reminded me of Jesus' precious blood that was poured out for everyone.

It's no wonder that "all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord." (Psalm 96:12b-13a KJV)

Prayer: Father, we thank You for providing a way for us to rise from our sinful past so that we can live triumphant, new lives in Christ Jesus. Amen.

She was dressed in shabby clothes, with a blanket across her lap. Her long thin fingers, rough and red from the winter's cold, clutched a small can filled with pencils. Every work day, this lady, perhaps in her thirties, sat in front of a department store in a wheelchair.

It was 1971, and I had just entered the workforce. With little money of my own, I sadly watched as people rushed into the store to buy their morning coffee and pastry, and then hurry past her, diverting their eyes. Occasionally I would hear the tinkle of coins as they were tossed into her can. She would smile and give a hearty "Thank you". I contemplated many times buying a pencil, but — I didn't need one, I didn't have much money — maybe tomorrow, I reasoned in my youthful ignorance. Then one day she was gone.

Now looking back at that time, I realize the opportunity of giving which God had presented to me. I could have purchased a pencil now and then, taken time to smile and speak to her, or perhaps even bought a cup of hot coffee for her. But I let the opportunity of giving slip away because I thought that my gifts were too small and that someday I'd have more to give.

When I think of the indescribable gift God gave to us — the cost of it — I am ashamed that I held back those little gestures of goodwill that might have made a difference in that disabled lady's life — even for one day.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your unspeakable gift. Help us to give cheerfully and share with others regardless of the size or value of the gift, for You can multiply it and put it to good use. Amen.

A small century-old abandoned church was tucked in a corner of a field, partially surrounded by a barbed-wire fence. There was no road leading to it, no welcoming signs, yet I felt drawn to it.

Although its grey metal roof was intact, the rest of the building had deteriorated considerably. No longer did it have the appearance of a holy place. The traditional symbols of a cross and steeple were missing. At one time, stained glass windows had reflected rays of colourful light beams onto the warm wooden floors, but now weathered boards blocked the sunlight. I walked through the tall grass along one wall, fingering the crumbling bricks. Disappointment filled me as I approached the front of the church. The narrow wooden doors were secured by rusty nails and guarded by an overgrown cedar bush. I continued my search around to the other side and peeked through the cracks of the window boards. Darkness greeted me. Singing and rejoicing, once heard, had vanished, along with the Holy Spirit.

I thought about how we become as empty shells when we abandon God. Nails of anger and hurt bind the doors of our hearts when we are overcome by problems and worldly concerns. Life then turns into a burden too great for us to carry. Our hopes crumble under pressure, and faith deteriorates. No matter the size of our house nor the greatness of it, we cannot flourish without God. He has asked us to stay with Him and has promised never to forsake us so that we might bear fruit.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your love that nourishes us. Help us to abide in You that we may grow and produce the fruit You long to see. Amen.