Rough Patches

I have been fortunate to have great, oil rich skin.  I probably did not put as much value on this as I could have.   Putting body lotion on as a sweet smelling treat; instead of a necessity like most of my friends.  Applying it in the winter months; not so much in the summer.  Growing up in the south, the moisture and humidity certainly helped. Moving to West Texas in my twenties should have alerted me. However youth is not very far sighted leaving a nonchalant approach.  As I entered my sixties (couple of years ago) I began to notice that only the skin on the lower part of my calves was starting to show some wear and tear in the moisture department. There was a look of roughness to the skin. A patch of skin that stood out; causing concerns about aging.  I admit I wasn't very happy and wondered if this was to be a constant in the remainder of my life; and just what else in my body was going to start looking like that.  So I began to pay extra attention to that part as I applied body lotion. Within a short while the skin began to look better; more supple and less crepey (not creepy..) Other parts of my body fit the creepy description for sure! One morning last week, as I applied the lotion, my thoughts went to the rough patches that life gives us. We learn from an early age that rough patches are a part of life.  If we are fortunate, we have wise people in our lives that prepare for this.  Teaching us that while the rough patches are there; we can and will survive. Hopefully this special people equip us spiritually and emotionally to handle these rough patches in life.  I had a sweet grandmother who was a guiding force in my life; loving me and filling me with deep spiritual convictions that served me well then and through the rest of my life.  Rough patches, while never fun or easy;  serve to increase our faith and determination; instilling character and strengths in us.  Rough patches begin early and crop up uninvited. I haven't met many people who would say they wished a life with no rough patches for themselves.  These patches are a badge of honor for most. Something that happened, was endured and then passed; with the assurance that "This, too, shall pass!" Leaving us on the other side stronger and wiser. So what kind of lotion do you apply to life's rough patches?  Maybe life lotions have the same qualities as body lotion. Giving us comfort, easing the unpleasantness; helping us to cope until the rough patch moves on to smoother times. Just like body lotion eases the discomfort of the skin until it is smooth again; spiritual lotions ease the mind and soul until life is smooth again.  Maybe I would not have had the rough patches on my legs if I had applied lotion to the skin over the years. So applying spiritual lotion throughout our lives must have a benefit to our souls.  Reaching out to God and our Saviour, Christ Jesus; talking and praying to Him; learning about Him through His Word; responding to His willingness to always be there for us; these are the spiritual lotions that will soothe, grow and sustain us. Rough patches are a part of life; unavoidable, however applying body lotions and spiritual lotions are a beautiful way to lead us through and beyond them...Blessings, Martha


"Yes, though I walk through the (deep, sunless) valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod (to protect) and Your saff (to guide), they comfort me."  psalm 23: 4