Our oldest Grandson, Evan, was baptized recently.
At the service his Dad presented him with a Tow Strap.
Now you need to understand my Son in law. He is a hands on guy and grew up in a hard working, God honouring family. He lives and breathes vehicles of all kinds and when he, my husband and our sons get together the conversation is sure to center on the latest vehicle project. In their town he is known as the person to go to when someone needs a hand or something needs fixing.
So when he came up to speak a blessing to his son, none of us were surprised
when he threw out a Tow Strap on the stage.
when he threw out a Tow Strap on the stage.
He used it as an object lesson the importance of knowing God's Word and in living the Christian life
He's graciously allowed me to share it with you.
He's graciously allowed me to share it with you.
The value of a tow strap is:
It can pull you out of tight spot - like a ditch, a snowbank or thick mud.
It can be used to help someone else out of a tight spot
The strap is stretchy and resilient but can only do its work if you look after it and keep it clean.
You keep it clean by soaking it in warm water to release the dirt.
The parallels are pretty straightforward.
As a Christian, you will be slogged through the mud, yanked hard and stressed to the MAX.
Sometimes you will only need a gentle tug.
Sometimes you will be the one to help someone else in their spiritual walk
When you sin, or become muddy, stretched, yanked and tested, the best thing you can do is soak.
Soak in God's word, soak with other believers in Church.
God's Word is there to help you just like this tow strap.
As you can see from the pictures, Evan's Dad and Mom collected Scriptures from family and close friends and wrote them on the Tow Strap. After the service those who had a verse to give to Evan were invited to add them to the strap. He now has these verses to remind him of the support he has from his family and community.
Our prayer is that he will hide them in his heart and draw on them often.
This made me think of Psalm 119:9-12 and I have made it my prayer for Evan.
How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your Word.
With my whole heart I have sought you;
Oh let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your Word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
The parallels are pretty straightforward.
As a Christian, you will be slogged through the mud, yanked hard and stressed to the MAX.
Sometimes you will only need a gentle tug.
Sometimes you will be the one to help someone else in their spiritual walk
When you sin, or become muddy, stretched, yanked and tested, the best thing you can do is soak.
Soak in God's word, soak with other believers in Church.
God's Word is there to help you just like this tow strap.
As you can see from the pictures, Evan's Dad and Mom collected Scriptures from family and close friends and wrote them on the Tow Strap. After the service those who had a verse to give to Evan were invited to add them to the strap. He now has these verses to remind him of the support he has from his family and community.
Our prayer is that he will hide them in his heart and draw on them often.
This made me think of Psalm 119:9-12 and I have made it my prayer for Evan.
How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your Word.
With my whole heart I have sought you;
Oh let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your Word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
What a great idea! We all need reminders throughout life of God's love and the support of church and family.
ReplyDeleteThat is so beautiful and creative!! That is a very special gift.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, what an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing this special story with us.
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual gift, but I'm sure he will have much need for it as he travels along the road of life.
ReplyDeleteExcellent analogy and a great reminder for all of us.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect gift! Thank you so much for sharing this! We are a practical-minded ranching family and I would love to use this idea in the future, if I may. Such a wonderful way to show that your grandson is going to be well grounded in Christ.
ReplyDelete