Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

This morning when we awoke, it reminded me of the perfect Irish setting…cold and misty with a touch of Spring looming in the air.  Are you Irish?

I really don’t have much Irish in my background, but I sure do enjoy learning about it and celebrating it!  This week we used Rainbow Twizzlers with Rolos at the bottom (to symbolize our pots of gold) and put them in clear baggies to hand out to family and friends.

Today,  I plan to read the story of Saint Patrick with the kids.   While I read it to them, we are planning on having Shamrock Shakes along with sugar cookies ( a small dose of sugar here ;)).  These may not be traditionally Irish, but I think it will be a fun and obvious reminder for them to enjoy this holiday – I hope you will too.

St. Patrick’s story is a reminder of his faithfulness and loyalty to God.  I think about him and Paul who had suffered isolation and captivity for so long, yet they still were encouraged and remained obedient.  Patrick was willing to face danger and even death as a sacrifice of his faith.

Patrick  wrote: “I am ready to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved — whatever may come my way.” (http://www1.cbn.com/spirituallife/apostle-to-the-irish)

Not only did Saint Patrick’s faith become stronger through trusting, but also,  God protected him. So many of the Irish people were transformed and turned to a relationship with the Lord because of him.  He was a hero.  As I think about this story today, I wonder, are we willing to do the same for our God?  Are we willing to make sacrifices to be obedient?   Ultimately, are we willing to be used as jars of clay?