When I was a child, I loved the box of crayons that had 64 colors.   I gravitated toward the metallic ones because they were so unique.  Two years ago, I took a trip with my grandchildren to the Crayola Crayon Factory.  I don't know who was more excited.   After going through the various exhibits, we ended up in the gift shop where we could take a container and fill it with every crayon color imaginable.  I felt like a kid again as I chose each one.   I told myself I was buying them for my grandchildren but I knew who they were for.  I don't have to tell you I chose every metallic color they had.  Back at home, I was wary of letting the grandkids use them for fear they would break them and once they were broken, I didn't want to use them.  Ridiculous I know.   


Next month, I'll be 70 years old.   As this milestone comes closer, so does a lot of self-awareness and introspection.    I used to think that by this age, I'd have shifted into the “golden years” and everything would be ok.   My kids would be grown and settled.  I would be retired and spending time teaching my grandchildren how to bake cookies and volunteering somewhere doing community service.   I also thought I'd be growing old with the love of my life and we would finally get to travel to all the places we had always wanted to see.   Yes, my kids are grown and I do travel but not the way I thought.   My body has decided to start protesting its age so I am limited in what I can do and I find myself alone most of the time.  I've started to wonder if this is all there is?  Why am I still here?


Maybe you've felt the same way.    I don't know exactly what the reason is other than I have the blessing and wisdom of living this long.   I've had trials and challenges that I've walked through and come out the other side.   My heart's desire is to help others who are discouraged and feel hopeless.  I've asked myself many times how I could help someone else when I have such a long way to go myself and then I heard the words, “broken crayons still color.” 


Those words changed my perspective and gave me purpose.  They showed me that God can take me in my broken, imperfect state and use me for good.   He doesn't see the broken crayon, He sees the beautiful colors and He sees my heart.   He sees the whole picture.  So as long as I have breath, there's a reason.  He's not finished with me yet. 





 



It's Not The End

By Eileen Glotfelty • May 23, 2026
Are you one of those people who like to read the end of the story before finishing the book? This morning I've been sitting here feeling overwhelmed by life. There are things that are out of my control and a lot of uncertainty. For someone who likes to have a plan, it's my worst nightmare. God's word says that He finishes what He starts and He will complete the good work in me (Philippians 1:6 NIV). I struggle with that when I can't see the finish line. God's word also says He's the Alpha and the Omega which means He is the beginning and the end (Rev 22:13 NIV). To me, that means that He sees it all. He knew where I would be on any given day. He knew my circumstances before I did, but unlike me, He's not worrying and overcome with anxiety because He sees the end. So, once again, I have a choice to make. I can sit here overwhelmed because I can't see the way out, or, I can trust the One who can. Will I choose hope or despair? This leads me to faith which is choosing to believe even though we can't see the outcome. I had to ask myself where I was putting my faith. Hope and faith work together. No amount of striving can earn them. Each one of us has access to them. All we have to do is ask the One who freely gives. Jesus, I know you've written my story and You know how it ends. Everything in this life is temporary. Even though I can't see the end, help me to rest in the fact that You do and I can trust You with my life.

The Lost Sheep

By Eileen Glotfelty • May 11, 2026
A few weeks ago I shared about my estranged child. Mother's Day came and went without a word. I spent the day wondering/hoping I would hear something. I didn't expect a phone call but maybe a text. I told myself not to have any expectations, but I still did. I was almost angry at myself for thinking maybe this year would be different. This morning I sat here talking to the Lord. He wants me to be honest with Him so I didn't try to hide the sorrow and the rejection. I told Him I was hurt and I had to forgive my child once again. He reminded me that I had three other children who hadn't forgotten me and made me feel loved and honored, so why was the rejection of one so painful? It was then I remembered the story of the lost sheep. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's about a shepherd who has a flock of a hundred sheep. One of them goes astray and the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go find it. It was a gentle reminder that He will never give up on my child and He loves Him more than I could imagine. In the same way, God will never give up on any of us. No matter how much we run or push Him away, He will never leave us. I needed that encouragement, maybe you do too.

The Prodigal

By Eileen Glotfelty • April 19, 2026
For those of you who have a prodigal child, you're not alone. What I mean by prodigal is a child who has turned their back on you and put up walls of defense. It came as a surprise, a shock actually. I should've seen it coming but after years of butting heads, I truly thought we were in a better place. The revelation came in a letter where thoughts and feelings were shared. I felt my spirit being crushed as I read it and my heart broke. I know I wasn't the perfect mother. I had struggles and behaviors that had followed me since childhood. I had resolved never to treat my children the way I was treated, but how many of us know that sadly it still happens, but in a different way. When you have a prodigal, it's not about forgiveness and reconciliation, it's about the pain they feel we've inflicted and they can't let go of it. I keep hoping that some day, things will change but there's no guarantee as it takes two surrendered hearts that are open to be healed. It's been four years now since I received that letter. I have grieved in a way I never have before and there were times I didn't think I would make it through. It's a different kind of grief because you know it can change but it's out of your control. It's been a process and I've experienced rejection, abandonment, guilt and shame but it brought me to a place where I knew it was going to keep me in a prison of pain if I didn't surrender it to God so He could heal my heart. The Bible has a story about a prodigal son. Even though the son went his own way and abandoned his father, his father never gave up hope. When the son had an “aha” moment and realized how foolish he had been, he humbled himself and returned home. This is my favorite of the story: “So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 NIV” This is how God greets everyone who returns to Him, no matter what they've done. I pray I would react the same way with my son. If you have a prodigal, my heart goes out to you, but just know that God sees you and your child. He is working behind the scenes as He is a God of redemption and reconciliation. He will heal your broken heart and give you the strength to hold on.