Elevating Ordinary
Recently I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and came across a video of wild creatures crossing a creek using a log bridge in the mountains of Pennsylvania.
I sat enjoying my breakfast, watching the furry and feathered parade. The variety of animals and birds capture was astounding – bears, raccoons, wolves, bobcats, beavers, turkeys, kingfishers, grouse, ducklings, herons, and so many more.
As I watched, I began to pay attention to the unsung hero of the video – the log. The reason the camera was placed in that location is because the log created a natural highway for the wildlife in the area. I wondered how the tiny squirrel would have made it across the swollen creek without it, or where the heron would have gone fishing.
Then I got to wondering about people who are a bit like that log. They don’t believe they have any special talents or anything to contribute. In reality, those are exactly the type of people who are valued and loved because they are dependable, strong, humble and willing to do what is needed to help others achieve their dreams and reach their goals.
Have you ever said, “I’m not good at anything”? If so, stop for a moment as you read this and think about the things you do in everyday life which just come easily for you. Maybe you are really organized, or love cooking. Perhaps cleaning your house is your favorite de-stresser, or you love talking on the phone with your friends and family and catching up on life. Those are all things which you are good at and they are talents you can use to bless others and worship God. Really – I mean it!
So how do you take those “everyday talents” and use them for a higher purpose? First – ask God to give you opportunities each day to use your talents to quietly make a difference. Next - take a look at the people around you. Do you see someone who needs help in exactly the area you are gifted?
If you’re a neat freak and nothing makes you happier than getting a sparkle on the glass shelves in your refrigerator, why not offer to do a deep clean of your friend’s fridge while she takes her baby to the park? Or grab some groceries for your colleague who is at home with the flu. Just being present with people is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. My elderly mother-in-law lived in a little cul-de-sac with some of the best neighbors I’ve ever come across. They all took turns looking out for her - bringing her groceries, dropping in and visiting with her, or walking her dog when she couldn’t get around without a walking frame.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (Mark 25:35-36 - NIV)”
My sister-in-law, Jenny, is really thoughtful about sending me the latest family news from my home country of Australia. She sends photos of a family gathering or news of one of my nieces’ achievements at school or work. Living a long way from all my family is hard and Jenny’s thoughtfulness blesses me more than she can know.
So, go and bake that cake for your coworker’s birthday, or make that phone call to the friend you’ve been thinking about today. It wouldn’t surprise me if we stand before the Lord one day and He says something like “Remember that casserole you cooked for Sarah when she had her baby? That made me so happy. You reflected my love that day.”
