I only found mismatched garden gloves to work today, both right-handed. I put them on and began to turn over the soil with the hoe and scoop out the stray oak leaves clinging in the corners of the rock wall. Picking up leaves with my left hand wasn’t very effective with the ill-fitting glove. It took twice as long to accomplish the task and my fingers cramped in the constrictive fabric.
It is important to have the right tools for the right task. It reminds me of times I have tried so hard to do things that I was ill-equipped for: Working in a billing office when I really needed to be using my strong people skills; sitting on committees when I am much better at networking; working in a basement when I needed sunlight; working alone when I thrive being around people.
It was like working with this ill-fitting glove.
I love that God has plans and has work for us to do. I love that He helps us to find what we do best, and then empowers us to accomplish far more that we can imagine. I love that He puts the right person in the right place so that they thrive in His kingdom of abundant living.
Life with Jesus is a learning curve. Just as two right-handed gloves are a hindrance to my effectiveness in the garden—I need to use the right tools to accomplish things in the best way possible—spiritual gift-tools given to me to impact Christ’s kingdom.
What have you discovered along the way about how you are designed to serve?
“…the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:16 (NAS)
Now, where is that other glove…
Jeanne
I'd love you to post pictures of the purple flowers! My favorite color. I have purple flowers in my yard too. God designed me to share my mission of helping the Christian community to share theirs. I often hear that folks feel ill prepared to convey their God-given message. I once felt the same way. I strive to get the word out that it isn't as much what we say as how we say it that can make us effective for the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI will post a May picture of my garden with the chives in their full glory :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you...as Scripture says there is "nothing new under the sun" but we each have an individual way to present His message. Our experiences, personality, giftedness, passion...all are meant to give wings to His words to others.
Thanks for stopping by,
Jeanne
Focusing on the strengths God has gifted also helps with anxiety and depression.
ReplyDeleteAnother great article Jeanne. Thank you for sharing.
Enjoyed reading your blog....Brings sunshine to a rainy day....
ReplyDeleteJP,
ReplyDeleteDefinitely coveting sunshine these days...it has been a long winter. We had torrential rain yesterday...but the sun is breaking through this morning :)
Thanks for stopping by the stream,
Jeanne
So true, Tom. Thanks for taking the time to comment....you always lift my spirits.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jeanne
Jeanne, I am trying to learn that lesson! I'm trying to find a way to let go of ministries I'm not equipped for and work in my strengths and giftings. It's hard to do because I really want to do everything! But God has a different plan, based on the tools He gave me. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteWhat an uplifting post, Jeanne. I really like your photo at the top. So soothing like I'm right there.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am a people person. I've also learned that my soft flowing tears can be a comfort to others. So, now I am no longer embarrassed by my weeping for others. Especially since I know how to have fun and make people laugh, also.
Vonda,
ReplyDeleteI am learning to appreciate the picture of the body that we see in Scripture. So, when we are surrounded, and surrounding one another, doing what we do best, others get a truer picture of Christ and His Church.
Jeanne
Jean Ann,
ReplyDeleteI too am a sensitive person and I cry easily...it's a source of humor for my family, teen girls that I have spent time with, etc.
It has gotten to the point that they bring the tissues now, just knowing that I will need them.
God is using you to connect with others in your sphere of influence
Hugs,
Jeanne
Dear Jeanne,
ReplyDeleteYears ago I took a spiritual gift inventory through our church. I was so encouraged to find that my passion for teaching and other gifts that compliment my ministry to women were affirmed. Even so, insecurity definitely creeps in from time to time, and the Lord encourages me with this verse: "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God" (2 Cor.3:5). He is so wonderful to - as you said - "empower us to accomplish far more than we can imagine."
Enjoyed your post - thanks!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Emily. It is good to find our place of service and find that He has given us peace and joy in its exercise.
ReplyDeleteJeanne