Rattle

²rattle

Function: noun

Date: 1519

1 a : a device that produces a rattle; specifically : a case containing pellets used as a baby's toy b :the sound-producing organ on a rattlesnake's tail
2 a : a rapid succession of sharp clattering sound

3 : a hand-crafted gift of love from a father to his precious daughter

4 : a sweet token in which to inspire the mind to twirl and dance with enchantment, occasionally smacking the forehead in the process

It's really something special to see a daddy with his daughter. All that tough-man exterior-- instantly replaced with the softest of tenderness as soon as that little gal snuggles in the crook of his arm. It's love. Instantly. Forever.

I love this rattle. Because it was skillfully crafted by the man I love. Because I am absolutely enthralled by the way Reese clutches it with her very life, wildly swinging it and manipulating it back and forth between her two dimpled hands. Because when it was finished, it was a cause for celebration as it was the first time Brian was able to create the two rings without breaking the entire rattle. And because Brian spun it on his lathe, crafted from a solid piece of wood.

A solid piece of wood. Isn't that something?

To think that this precious rattle.... sure to be a family heirloom and beloved toy, was once just a block of wood gathering dust in the garage.

This brings to my mind the illustration of God as a potter in the bible.

Correction: not "a" Potter.

Note even "the" potter.

"Our" potter.

How do we rate, that we get our own potter, for goodness sakes?

When we seek to put our life in His hands, our life is molded in ways that are extraordinary.

Isaiah 64:8

But now, O Lord,

You are our Father;

We are the clay, and You our potter;

And all we are the work of Your hand.

This verse and this rattle comes to mind as we prepare to have Reese dedicated at church this weekend. Our prayer Reese, is that you would love God and would be ever-shaped by Him as the Lord of your life.