I was always amazed how my grandmother could repurpose so many things that others would have just throw away. She would use coffee cans to plant flowers, glass jars to "root" new plants from clippings, and old fabric was reimagined till it would be nothing but threads. An old dress would be turned into an apron when it no longer served its original purpose. Sometimes the fabric from old dresses, shirts, and the like would be turned into beautiful quilt pieces that she lovingly put together. When the fabric was not good enough for quilt squares...old aprons, shirts, jeans, and even panty hose would find new life in rag rugs(which she used all over her house and gave them away to others as well). Most would throw away such items when they no longer served their original purpose. These humble materials were not insignificant to her. She saw the potential they possessed. In my grandmother's hands they had new life with purpose, beauty, and a story to share. In the right hands, things that seem insignificant to most... can be turned into something significant.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.
Mark 6: 41-43
There are times in our lives that we feel we have little to give. We may not have much money, time, skill/talent, knowledge, training, or other such things. We may feel we've been through too much or done too many wrongs to be worth anything. We feel insignificant. Unable to truly contribute. These are lies. In the scripture above, we see the boy gave his small seemingly insignificant lunch to Jesus, and it fed the multitude. It was not based on the talent and training of the boy. It was not based on the amazing meal he was offering. It was simply making what he did have available. God has a way of bringing new life, purpose, beauty, and a story to share to those who are willing. Come as you are. He knows the potential you possess even if you do not!
Thank you for this devotional!! I teach at Maryville Christian School (E. TN) and will enjoy sharing this with my students this year. This will be great for Biblical integration!
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents were repurposing experts!! Balls of twine from feed sacks, bread bags for storage, eggshells for starting seedlings, cans & jugs reused for years...
I constantly search for ways to help students understand the importance of recycling, reusing & repurposing items. This is a powerful way to connect with God using us regardless of our abilities!