"He distributes to them each one, just as He determines."
1 Corinthians 12:11
The Clarington Library is a beautiful thing. It has family programs, play areas, tons of books and free DVD rentals. To top it all off, the exits are guarded by bibliothecas, a.k.a. self-checkouts. I recently decided to try this new technology, to avoid waiting in line.
I sat a pile of DVD’s and books on the scanner and lined up my card under the red light. Error flashed across the screen. I tried again. Error. What was convenient about bibliothecas if I couldn’t log on to my account? Annoyed, I snatched up my items, marched to the front counter and waited. Eventually the librarian took my card and swiped it. DING! Her error message showed that I owed $23.99 in fines.
“What? How is that possible? I had a few late returns, but twenty-four dollars is nuts,” I exclaimed.
Then it hit me. It all occurred a week prior. After a soothing bath, my toddler burst into the washroom, grabbed my novel and chucked it into the tub. Did I mention this was before I pulled the plug? Talk about a bust on mommy time! I dried out the sopping pages as best as I could, however the once new novel morphed into a collection of crispy waves. I sheepishly returned My Heart Stood Still to the drop box and hoped the water damage wasn’t noticeable.
It clearly was.
My cheeks turned crimson as I paid the fine. This wasn’t the first damaged item under my belt. In the past couple of months I reluctantly purchased books Makayla destroyed. I’ve also helped tape ripped pages back together. The librarian always accepts my apologies and explains it’s just my daughter’s age. Apparently, I’m not the only mother with this problem. Thank God!
I try my best to teach Makayla to be gentle with borrowed items and objects in general. After all, I don’t want to go broke from library fines. Still no matter how diligent I am, the odd DVD slices through the air and a novel goes for a swim. Also, I have to take ownership for my growing list of late returns. That is ALL me!
I grew up hearing of the parable of the talents found in the books of Matthew and Luke. God entrusted different measures of "talents" to each one of us. Quantities are not important. What matters is how we use and take care of these "talents". Whether they are our interests, strengths, careers, family or friends we are required to tend and multiply.
Matt 25:14-30
Luke 19:11 – 27
1 Cor 12:11
I sat a pile of DVD’s and books on the scanner and lined up my card under the red light. Error flashed across the screen. I tried again. Error. What was convenient about bibliothecas if I couldn’t log on to my account? Annoyed, I snatched up my items, marched to the front counter and waited. Eventually the librarian took my card and swiped it. DING! Her error message showed that I owed $23.99 in fines.
“What? How is that possible? I had a few late returns, but twenty-four dollars is nuts,” I exclaimed.
Then it hit me. It all occurred a week prior. After a soothing bath, my toddler burst into the washroom, grabbed my novel and chucked it into the tub. Did I mention this was before I pulled the plug? Talk about a bust on mommy time! I dried out the sopping pages as best as I could, however the once new novel morphed into a collection of crispy waves. I sheepishly returned My Heart Stood Still to the drop box and hoped the water damage wasn’t noticeable.
It clearly was.
My cheeks turned crimson as I paid the fine. This wasn’t the first damaged item under my belt. In the past couple of months I reluctantly purchased books Makayla destroyed. I’ve also helped tape ripped pages back together. The librarian always accepts my apologies and explains it’s just my daughter’s age. Apparently, I’m not the only mother with this problem. Thank God!
I try my best to teach Makayla to be gentle with borrowed items and objects in general. After all, I don’t want to go broke from library fines. Still no matter how diligent I am, the odd DVD slices through the air and a novel goes for a swim. Also, I have to take ownership for my growing list of late returns. That is ALL me!
I grew up hearing of the parable of the talents found in the books of Matthew and Luke. God entrusted different measures of "talents" to each one of us. Quantities are not important. What matters is how we use and take care of these "talents". Whether they are our interests, strengths, careers, family or friends we are required to tend and multiply.
Matt 25:14-30
Luke 19:11 – 27
1 Cor 12:11