One of the things I enjoy coming across in my travels is statues. I seldom see one without ‘seeing’ a story.

I’m sure you can all think of possible stories when you see this wooden man and the totem pole. But it reminds me of a real-life story of my son. How many of you have heard this song?

When my son was young—before he started school, he listened to a record with the instrumentals of that song. No words, mind you. He turned to me and said, “What a sad song.”

This bear was along a road in Alaska on a trip we made with our daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren. Gecko is sitting on the bear’s head. Gecko went with us everywhere and yes, there is a story there that will be written one day.

 This statue to honor the local firefighters was in Libby, Montana.

I never think of fires without remembering being in a school fire when I was seven years old. My class and others were in the basement classroom watching a play put on my one of the older grades. At first we didn’t hear the fire ‘alarm’ which was a hand bell rung by the principal. He stood at the top of the stairs shouting, ‘Get out. Get out. It’s real.’

We barely made it out before the top floor crashed down to the spot at the top of the stairs where he stood. It was Feb. and so cold outside. We escaped without coats or boots. The water froze in the hoses as the men fought the fire. You might say it was an event that left a fiery memory in my brain.

One more statue:

Again in Libby, Montana. A brass plate identifies it as ‘In His Hands, Artist Al Youso.’

I love the reminder to pray.

My prayer for today and every day is that people might show the kind of love the Bible implores.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7New International Version (NIV)⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

God bless you today.