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Purse
Pursuit
- Marsha Jordan
I know women (my older sister for one) who suffer from multiple "purse"inality. They have a different purse to go with every outfit in the closet. Not me. I'm a one-purse woman. When I get a new purse, I use it till the straps fall off; so it's essential that I find exactly the RIGHT purse -- and that is no easy task. As a modern grandma on the go, I basically live in my car; so my purse must be a carry-all for everything I might need wherever I go.
In my purse I carry a supply of every medication in my cupboard along with cosmetics for touch ups; toiletries in case I'm stranded overnight, books to read while waiting in line, and emergency snacks. I also stock my purse with plenty of quarters for video games (for my grandson,) an extra pair of pantyhose (for me, not him) and a change of underwear (for both of us). I stock my purse with silverware, straws and napkins (those fast food places sometimes forget these). And I can't forget a sweater, umbrella and rain poncho for inclement weather. In my purse are cough drops, eye drops, ear drops, and gum drops, sun screen, bug spray, nasal spray, hair spray, and pepper spray, a first aid kit, a sewing kit, a tool kit, and a pool repair kit. Oh, and an inflatable raft (you never know when you might fall overboard).
After an exhausting, three-hour search in Wal-mart, I finally discovered the perfect purse. It has 327 compartments and it's large enough to hold all my "necessities," plus a liter of Dr. Pepper. After filling my "dream purse" with all my treasures, I sadly discovered that I don't have the muscles to lug the thing around. I've developed tennis elbow, low back pain, and a perpetual stiff neck from hoisting the sucker over my shoulder, and I think I need a rotator cuff transplant. The only things this almost-ideal purse lacks are wheels to drag it along behind me.
I was detained by airline personnel and accused of smuggling in carry-on baggage that was larger than the overhead compartment. I refused to give up my dog-house sized purse so I was permitted onboard with the stipulation that I must hold it on my lap. Because the monstrosity weighs more than I do, my legs were asleep during the entire flight!
Well, I found my dream purse -- only to discover that it's not so perfect after all. Back to the drawing board -- or should I say back to Wal-mart's purse department?
I'm glad that God isn't like me. I search for perfection, but He accepts imperfection. I want something to fill MY needs. He wants someone whose needs HE will fill. And when we disappoint God, He doesn't throw us back and start looking for something better. He loves all the imperfect "purse-ons" of this world, no matter what our size, shape, or color. He doesn't care how much we can carry or how organized we are. It doesn't matter if we can't fill every need ourselves. He loves us each for who and what we are. And He makes up for what we lack.
Jeremiah 31:3 says: "I HAVE LOVED YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE." Isn't that great to know? I’m reminded of His great love every time I swing my gigantic purse over my sore shoulder.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marsha Jordan, creator of the HUGS and HOPE Club, is a disabled grandma who cares about kids and does whatever she can to help them.
In a new book, author Thomas Baldrick calls Jordan a champion and compares her to Michael Jordan, saying: "She has done for the Internet what Michael Jordan has done for the game of basketball -- raising it to a higher level."
The book "A Million & One Ways to Celebrate a Child" is a powerful collection of real-life stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things for children. Jordan's story, entitled "Love, Happiness, and Sticky Peanut Butter" is one of the many true sources of inspiration in the book. Part of the proceeds from book sales will benefit the HUGS and HOPE Club for Sick Children.
To contact Marsha, email marsha@hugsandhope.com <mailto:marsha@hugsandhope.com> |
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