But I don't grow flowers inside in pots, and I rarely transfer our dinner onto serving platters (and this one seemed too small for my family). I couldn't keep these things hidden away! Instead, I found uncommon uses for both the pot and the platter.
The pot became my cooking utensil holder.
The platter became our key tray.
I realized that the pot can hold more than soil; the platter can carry more than a meal.
As I think about all my specific plans and dreams--the things I know I was made for--I have to pause and ask about the uncommon uses for my skills.
Over the years, I have been so busy telling the Potter what I am really made for, and He's already using me for broader, more interesting and more useful things. Things I hadn't imagined. Immeasurably more!
Sometimes we emerge into the world on usual paths, using our gifts and talents in uncommon but wonderful ways. Living with flair means I allow it. We are too beautiful--too loved--to be kept hidden away.
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Journal: Our wedding theme verse was from Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. . . " As I look at my wedding objects today, I think about the unsual paths our lives take. How have I seen God do "immeasurably more" with the plans and dreams of my heart?
You were "repurposing" things before the term became commonplace!
ReplyDeleteI do want to be open to using the things I'm good at, the skills I've developed and the wisdom I've gained, for God's purposes, whatever they may be that day.
Sometimes I use for my devotional The Divine Hours, by Phyllis Tickle (sort of a Breviary-meets-Book-of-Common-of-Prayer praying-the-hours resource for the wimpy contemplative...but please don't ever tell Phyllis I described it like that). The "Concluding Prayer of the Church" for the morning office ends with "...and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen."
I pray that, truly trying to stay open to how I might let God direct me to the fulfilling of His purpose. Even if it means that I'm a meat platter asked to hold keys.
This is such a beautiful post. Very thoughtful.
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