I’ve told some of you this before. I have never been considered a grammar specialist. As a young person, the term “misplaced modifier” intrigued me. When it rolled off the tongue, it created an interesting impression. It sounded almost mysterious.
An example of a misplaced modifier is the phrase “the purple woman’s shoes”, instead of “the woman’s purple shoes”. Small switch of words. Huge change of image.
In life we too sometimes employ misplaced modifiers. They also affect the picture. The Bible talks of “…seek ye first the kingdom of God…and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. How do we seek God first? What are “all these things”? What does “added unto you” mean? What’s the time frame?
A friend told me a fascinating story. He married, and got a stable position as a bookkeeper. After ten years of working alone in his office, he felt the desire for more interaction with people. He determined that a nursing career would provide this element. As he was embarking on, and continuing, his nursing career, it seemed logical to advance to higher levels of training. Then, the Spirit spoke. “My dear children, I need you to serve in foreign missions.” So, a change in plans was made. They were off to foreign missions for a five-year stint.
When they returned from missions, he concluded that his work-preference would be not to work on Sunday. So, instead of contracting for a regular position, he offered to sign on for a fill-in position. He testifies that for two years he was never short of five days of work per week. In addition, this willingness to be flexible was rewarded with a pay bonus. Again, God looked after him. So, it seemed “normal” had been established. Then came the call for service on the east coast. The nursing advancement was put on hold again.
Friends, when I see the joy in my friend’s eyes, it tells me that the choice made by him and his wife to “seek ye first the kingdom of God” has been richly rewarded!
Where are our misplaced modifiers? What decisions that we make are giving us purple women instead of purple shoes? God bless you for making good decisions when you ponder your priorities.
