CHARMS
Today's reading: Judges 7-11

I'll admit it: I love jewelry. I enjoy wearing clunky necklaces, dangly earrings, heavy bracelets and brightly colored baubles.

(I especially enjoy catching them on sale! I tingle at the thought of paying 50, 75, 90% less than the suggested retail price. It's 'almost' like they're paying me to take them.)

The adornments I love wearing the most? Charms reminding me of my victories! Trinkets just like Gideon had...

"Then Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, The men you killed at Tabor--what were they like? Like you, they replied. They all had the look of a king's son. They were my brothers! Gideon exclaimed. As surely as the Lord lives, I wouldn't kill you if you hadn't killed them. Turning to Jether, his oldest son, he said, Kill them! But Jether did not draw his sword, for he was only a boy and was afraid. Then Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon, Don't ask a boy to do a man's job! Do it yourself! So Gideon killed them both and took the royal ornaments from the necks of their camels." Judges 8:18-21 NLT

God and I have a history. We go way back-and He knows more about me than I'm willing to admit. He and I have shared some memories. We've laughed, cried, argued (more so me than Him) and celebrated. My life is filled with remarkable happenings and goings-in that point directly to the Creator of the universe. And if I had a charm bracelet, it would be filled from clasp to clasp with charms depicting our journey. The sterling silver balloon reminding me of the highs and the tiny shovel reminding me of the depths of the lows. The star to remind me of the mountaintops I've walked on and the tiny flashlight that led me through some pretty dark valleys. The sunglasses referring to the sunny days and the lighthouse beaming on the sleepless, stormy nights.

I can't say I have any I've taken off the necks of camels...but they're dear to me none the less!

You've got charms, too. Don't you?