A daily reminder

  I purchased a bread box and it has written in script on the face" give us this day our daily bread." I recall picking it out of the amazon catalogue, that's what it is isn't it? I sometimes browse Amazon like I did the old sears wish book. Anyway, I bought that bread box and have had it a few years now. The phrase is of course familiar to us all being a part of the Lords' prayer. In one of those moments that there is no explanation for I noticed it this morning; that phrase that is. I thought the prayer is for our daily bread not for a weeks worth, or years worth, just daily. Isn't it the same advice as living one day at a time? I've seen that slogan many times over the years. It does appear in at least one other place in the Bible with the verse about tomorrow will worry about itself. It's one my grandmother often repeated. It's something how many adages come from the bible that we may not even be aware of. I suppose that is just relies upon how familiar you are with bible verses. How many times you have read the book.

  I have learned over the years that my grandparents made frequent reference to biblical passages and advice. I wasn't aware of that at the time and I wonder if they were. In these modern times were books have been readily available to just about everyone the bible has dropped in popularity as far a library book. I'm reminded of a song the great Hank Williams once recorded, Dust on the Bible. The opening verse goes like this: "I went into a home one day just to see some friends of mine

Of all their books and magazines, not a Bible could I find.
I asked them for the Bible. When they brought it, what a shame!
For the dust was covered o'er it, not a fingerprint was plain." I suspect there are quite a number of dusty bibles these days. I'm a bit ashamed to say, the pages in mine aren't exactly what you would call dog eared. It could use a good dusting, truth be told. 

  In thinking about that, seeing that phrase on the breadbox almost like an advertisement, I wondered if it was truly appropriate. I am quick to point it out when I think others are desecrating the American flag in some fashion. I will reference the flag code about not using it for any advertising or as clothing. Is it alright to plagiarize a bible verse for a breadbox? I guess what I'm thinking about is reverence. When we revere something we give it deep respect or admiration. Is it disrespectful to print that on a breadbox? I don't think so but perhaps it should include a citation. Citation's are big these days, citing the source. By citing the source you are validating the statement made. 

  In the case of this portion of a prayer being on a breadbox I'm a bit conflicted. On the one hand it does remind us that we are all dependent upon God, our daily bread, and to forgive others just as we wish to be forgiven for our debts. Those debts being incurred when we treat others badly but that's another whole philosophical discussion. On the other hand however I wonder if that isn't just exploiting that prayer, at least a portion of it, for commercial purposes. Is it just a cute phrase now? Well, I suppose it really doesn't matter in the big picture. What is important is the message. My thinking is anyone, including myself, that purchased that breadbox was well aware of the reference. I don't have to revere the breadbox, just the messenger that delivered the prayer. 

                                                                                      

             Little unexpected things can sometimes give us inspiration. Something as mundane as a bread box.