Mylar Balloon (Hosea 13:5-6)

When my son was born, my daughter was nearly three years old. Suddenly, our family was a foursome, and she was an older sister. It was a slightly difficult adjustment, and I wanted to smooth the transition as painlessly as possible, reassuring her that she was still special and loved within our family. Every weekend, I would take her to a new outing, such as the aquarium or park, and the weekend was never complete until a final stop. On the way home, I would purchase a big helium-filled mylar balloon, with my daughter picking the design. For weeks, her room would be filled with these balloons, and the smile on her face was confirmation that she knew she was, indeed, special.

 

Years later, I recounted the story to my daughter, hopeful she would recall the memories with joy, but unfortunately, she only remembered a few isolated events. I was disappointed, but it was the same story with her father. When I was about five years old, my parents were informed by my teachers that my physical education skills were lagging behind my peers. Determined not to allow this situation to worsen, my father would come home early from work every day and would pitch baseballs to me, working on my eye-hand coordination. I did improve, good enough to join the local baseball team. Many years later, my father reminded me of what he did for me, but sadly, I could barely recall it.

 

It was I who knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought; but when they had grazed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me.

Hosea 13:5-6 (ESV)

 

The Israelites forgot how God rescued them from slavery in Egypt and safely delivered them through forty years in the desert. How could this happen after all that God did for them? How indeed? Look in the mirror! Like the Israelites, I quickly forgot the blessings of my father. My memories are fleeting because my focus is centered squarely on myself. I also take God’s blessings for granted, not realizing or understanding the love and sacrifice that He has bestowed upon me.

 

Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

Isaiah 49:15-16 (ESV)

 

Is it any wonder that the Bible continually reminds us to remember the blessings God has given us? If I spent more time recalling God’s blessings, I would live a life of gratitude, looking upward and outward, rather than downward and inward, and drowning in my sorrows. 

 

God has engraved my name on His very hands. If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.