Nothing my father and I (the Shepherd) have ever made is ever wasted.

Can the fall of a tree make sound even if no one is around to hear it? Does a rose still have fragrance even if no one lifts its bud to their nose? Do bears still catch fish if no one from National Geographic is around to film it?

Outside of our own little world, there are billions of things that go through the cycle of life. They are beautiful creations that will never be seen or noticed by the human eye. I think of all the quartz crystals that are in cinder blocks, hidden forever from our sight. Incredible rock formations or caverns of crystal that will never be discovered. But God knows they are there. Creations that are not seen with human eyes but alone delight God, the Creator. No, nothing is wasted. The Father and our shepherd - creates situations all the time to further the creation of you! Nothing-no trial or test is ever wasted, but they are useful for our good.

Prayer: Father at times it seems like the troubles in my life are leading me further away from you and the glorious life you have planned for me. Help me to see that nothing you make is wasted, whether it is flowers in an untouched field or a traffic jam in a non-air-conditioned car.