Goodness

Today I have been thinking about many things......good things.  Goodness is described in Websters as a condition of being good and goodness is described as being better than the usual or average kind.  Something in good condition is pleasing or satisfying...... at least a little more than ordinary.  In the Bible, when God created the earth in  Genesis 1:10 the words read, "God saw that it was good."  Men and women have been described as good and God even goes on to tell us, "That every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."  James 1:17  People can do many good things.  We can prepare a dinner for a new mother and this is a very good gift.  We can share good words of encouragement and hope with someone who going through a difficult journey.  The Bible even says that sometimes we can suffer for doing good......now that is a thought.  But I love the words of Exodus 34:6-7 "And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands , forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin....."
In other words, because of God's goodness, He never throws us out!  He is merciful and patient with us and forgives us of our sinful nature.  He is able to make something new, out of a tattered and torn life, daily!  Psalm 31:19 declares "Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear you, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!"  God's love for you makes His face to shine upon you daily and His spirit draws you close to His heart to learn of this goodness that He desires to share with you and with me.  This brings me to share this picture with you.  An old chair, discarded, ready to be thrown out and trashed but I saw the beautiful lines and possibilities!  So I waited until I had some extra time and began to sand it down, tested just a teensy dribble of paint and a whisper of a brush stroke.  I continued to paint it, it was good, I blessed it too.  I found some discarded fabric, decided how I wanted it to look and begin to create!  So you see my finished project below.  It is such a privilege to be made new again~daily in the presence of the Mighty Hands of God.  Often we take goodness for granted.  I hope tomorrow that I remember "God is great, God is Good, let us thank Him......."  Have a blessed and wonderful weekend~may it be GOOD!