Why do I write a blog? Why bother? There is so much good stuff out there to read, to ingest, to see, to hear. Why add mine to the mix?
You know, we are all given gifts that we are supposed to use and use up for God and humankind. We are to spill ourselves out. Use ourselves up.
I think of a great quote from Erma Bombeck. She wrote at the end of a column in 1987 these words:
I always had a dream that when I am asked to give an accounting of my life to a higher court, it will go like this: "So, empty your pockets. What have you got left of your life? Any dreams that were unfulfilled? Any unused talent that we gave you when you were born that you still have left? Any unsaid compliments or bits of love that you haven't spread around?"
And I will answer, "I've nothing to return. I spent everything you gave me. I'm as naked as the day I was born."
Isn't that what God calls us to do too?
I don't know what your talents or skills are. Maybe you don't know for sure either. If you sit quietly and ask God He will tell you if you've forgotten. Because at one time you knew. What did you LOVE doing as a child?
As a child I loved to read and when write. Wow. I haven't changed much (except now I drink lots of strong black coffee -- probably isn't great for me, but I hear it helps the brain stay sharp...I need that!).
I have no illusions that I am a great writer. I am just a writer who needs to write, who must write, who's been called by God to write. I don't waste time comparing myself to other writers (though there are some I so love and read as much as I can of their stuff -- maybe their genius will rub off onto me). I am one of probably thousands upon thousands of writers who God has equipped to touch their worlds for Him -- to bless people, to bless Him, to draw us all closer into relationship.
I also make great chocolate chip cookies, homemade pizza, biscuits and gravy; cake, pie, bread (on a good day)......those I can share, those I can feed people, those i can give.
See, talents don't have to be some huge big showy thing that will put you in front of millions (though God might put you in front of millions every once in a while -- always be ready in season and out of season...Jesus said that).
What am I horrible at? I'm quite pathetic at cleaning (though I'm better than I used to be). I'm not good at getting my children and husband to help around the house. I no longer look at sites where there are children who need homes because when I see their sweet faces I imagine I can have lots more children when actually I just don't have the energy for any more. I am not good at leading adults (some situations yes, but usually no); I am definitely not an administrator-type or event planner....uggg. I'd rather clean out a septic tank than do that!
I'm sure I could list a bunch more things, but the point is that I don't have to try and be good at everything. I do my best at the things I need to do (like keeping the house liveable and peaceful), but I don't dwell on my inadequacies.
Do you ever watch the show The Voice? I have learned to love that show. I love the interaction between the coaches and between the coaches and the contestants. And when a contestant comes on and sings in a way that stops time -- those are WOW moments. I watch that and think it would be so much fun to be on that show. I don't have that kind of voice, but I can sing. And I do. I sing Sunday nights to lead a small set of worship songs for whoever shows up at our church.
Sorry about the wandering but I guess that is where I am right now. Have you heard the story of the monks who sang daily during their services? Their songs were led by a monk who couldn't sing great but he really loved the Lord. This could have been Brother Lawrence (he has a great book - -here's the link: Brother Lawrence's book). We'll call him Brother Lawrence. There was another monk in the brotherhood who had an incredible voice. Everyone thought this monk should lead the songs. It made sense -- the best singer should be the song leader, right? So, they took Brother Lawrence out and put in the good singer. God then asked them, "Where's Brother Lawrence? Why isn't he leading?"
They gave God this logical explanation. God replied, "But I chose Brother Lawrence for this job."
Way back in college at the church I was saved at, I ended up being the piano player. I am okay on the piano -- not great (I am not being humble, just honest). There was a concert pianist in the congregation. It was so ridiculous to me that God chose me to play rather than her for her skills and talents far exceeded mine on those ivory keys. I knew that. I still know that. Once this beloved sister came up to me and asked, 'Jane, how do you play like that?"
She was asking me? I guess I had a freedom in my playing that she hadn't found yet. Maybe that is the key for anything -- when we have the freedom in what we are doing the Spirit can work through us.....
OKAY, I am signing off now. I hope you got blessed by something here. I'd love to hear how God has used you in ways that surprised you and still sound ridiculous to you (but He did it anyway). God can do ridiculous things at times. Wow, wow, wow. We serve an incredible God!