Significance of Purple ~ Part II

12/27/2012

So Much Love...Priceless Treasures

How many of you heard of "purpleheart" wood before yesterday's blog? My parents shared of a purple wood this summer but left the history and full name a secret until a later date. I LOVE my book ends and look forward to setting them atop my new bookcase once the Christmas decorations are put way.

Of course, it is the time, effort, love, and encouragement they represents that truly brings a smile to my face. One of my first responses to my dad was, "Now I have two bookshelves made by you." The other, made in December of 1973. Over the years it has been used to hold children's books, my daughter's books as a toddler, and now it holds my daily devotionals and a couple prayer journals.

Both designed, hand crafted, and gifted from my Daddy to me as a small token of his love to encourage me when life might want to deter me. I am blessed to have both an amazing carpenter Daddy and an An Amazing Carpenter who gave His life on the cross for my sins. Wow! Doubly blessed ~ I pray you can say the same.

As if the book ends weren't enough, Dad and Mom created one more thing from the purpleheart wood, or should I say five?

Dad cut five hearts from a thinner piece of wood to create pendants for us. Mom, Mags, and I each have a necklace. I asked, "Where did you get the chains?" Mom's smile said it all, "They are from Heidi's jewelry box." Beautiful!

Dad made key rings for Ed and himself. All five have a picture of Heidi on them, taken the day Ed and I were married. Priceless treasures.

Mom said, "Austin is right, you deserve to wear the purple heart. Thanks for helping us see we have each earned one too."

Five hearts with Heidi atop the purpleheart wood as a reminder, we have all been through a lot and have survived to tell about it. Our purplehearts represent the courage to share with others, so everyone knows there is hope and healing available to them. May you recognize this gift is available to you too.