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?
2 comments:
You were "repurposing" things before the term became commonplace!
I 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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