This entry illustrates one example of the lifestyle axiom, “There’s wonder in seemingly ordinary things.” Today, the marvel of the compact folding umbrella. From your own experiences over the years, you may also remember other times when you discovered awesome ordinariness….
I’m amazed how the relatively simple umbrella of my childhood has developed into this sophisticated device. All these years, anonymous inventors, engineers, craftspersons and manufacturers have labored, at each step along the way improving an historic, basic design into an item that is now guaranteed for its durability and reliability.
The Portland-based ShedRain umbrella company has been in business for over 75 years, so they’ve had time to make the humble fabric-parabola into today’s marvel of multi-patented technology. Mine is comprised of over 250 parts intricately assembled into a rain- and wind-proof design that allows for easy opening and closing in the worst of weather conditions.
The ribs of this umbrella are made of a lightweight metal/plastic material that flexes in the wind. Its design allows for some of the wind’s force to blow through the canopy instead of turning the umbrella inside out. It opens with the one-handed touch of an in-handle button, spreading to a width of 43”. The umbrella’s material—made from recycled plastic polymers—dries within minutes. Held in place by a Velcro® strip, its folded size—12 x 2 x 3 inches—enables easy storage or carrying. A removable protective sheath—with fastening clip—keeps the umbrella from snagging on other objects.
The fundamental wonder: How God has imbued the human brain with inventive ingenuity, and how that truth applies here to safety and comfort during rain events. Life’s many marvels remind me that, when it comes to God’s gifts to the human spirit, there’s no such thing as ordinary. I am also grateful to the manufacturers of this umbrella for their attention to details, to excellence and to usefulness—the ultimate test.
Because of their efforts, I can enjoy the blessing of staying dry during even the heaviest rains!
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