Since childhood, I have loved dishes. I remember opening oatmeal boxes, as a little girl, to find another beautiful glass dish inside. I felt I had discovered gold. Growing older, my love for dishes also grew. As college graduation neared, Mom took me shopping and asked me to select a set of china. She worked for a very long time to pay for that incredibly generous and thoughtful graduation gift. I will always cherish it...not only for its beauty...but for the loving sacrifice she made for me.
During full-time ministry years later, a sweet church lady came to visit. She knew we were on a tight budget and she was always finding items at yard sales to share with us. This day was no exception. She handed me a package that I continue to cherish decades later. This antique piece of cookware is unlike anything in stores today. It is simple, old, heavy, not very attracive, and one of my favorite, most useful pieces in the kitchen.
I often look at the beautiful china, which I use for special occasions, and recall the memories and love behind Mom's generous gift. I often look at the antique cookware our friend shared, which I use almost daily, remembering her kindness and precious love. The dishes and cookware are very different in purpose, appearance, function and design. Yet I cherish all of them for they are meaningful, special and gifts representing much love and sacrifice.
I began thinking. Each life is unique in purpose, appearance, function and design. Some of us may be considered very special in one area while others are created for different but significant areas, too. Yet each life is cherished, loved and valuable to the One Who created us. While someone may be more publicly and frequently acknowledged in life, another individual is deeply touching lives behind the scenes with no acknowledgement at all. But God knows. He sees. He cares. He loves. He has sacrificed much because of His love for each one. His love isn't based on whether we are beautiful china or faithful old cookware. He made us with great purpose and an amazing plan. May we trust and serve Him as our journeys unfold.♥~thl
"'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me.'" Isaiah 6: 8
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