The Value of Sheep Droppings & You ~ 2

Usefulness is a good word to contemplate when you aren't sure about your own value. We're looking at chapter 21 of Meeting God in Quiet Places: the Cotswold Parables by F. LaGard Smith. And the first concept to grasp is that if sheep droppings are valuable, so are you!

We live in a society that compares one person to another constantly, giving prizes and awards to those deemed fit for the honor. But it's a skewed view of who we are and how valuable each one of us is. You can change that perception by finding gifts which God has given to you and you alone. It could be that we take too many of them for granted. So I appeal to your honesty in evaluating your gifts, which are so badly needed by others. I say this because God needs you wherever you are, doing what you do best!

To help you find your personal gifts, let's look at the example of Moses when the Israelites were in a battle with the Amalekites. Moses' job was to hold aloft the staff of God. And as long as he held the staff high, Israel would win, but if he dropped his hands, Israel would begin to lose. In our society, we'd all look at Moses and say how wonderful, brave, strong and super he was. And we'd ignore the two men who helped him save the day. Aaron and Hur saw that Moses' hands were dropping. And the story goes that "When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up--one on one side, one on the other--so that his hands remained steady till sunset." Perhaps we're too proud to hold up someone else's hands, but if you've ever needed support, you can appreciate the value of Aaron and Hur. Because of what they did, the battle was won. Is there something you can do to support someone in trouble, or someone who's hurting?

                                                                    

Yes, we love our super heroes! But in the end, who was more useful in winning the battle? There were soldiers and generals in the field with bravery and courage. There was Moses with the staff of God, leading his nation. And there were the two men whose only job was to hold up the hands of Moses. I think we can agree that they were all important and all played a part in winning the victory. If any one of these men had neglected his part, the end could have been disastrous. Think about this when you find yourself feeling useless and without purpose. Sometimes "holding up hands" is the most important job you can do!

Even your body is a lesson in usefulness. Every part of your body has a purpose--big or small, each part is vital. Think about this: "If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?" In the eyes of God, "those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor." Just because the values in our society are upside-down doesn't mean that we can't turn ours right-side-up. In heaven, the first shall be last and the last shall be first. The point is: No matter what your gifts are, they are important--maybe even vital! 

                                                                                                                                                         

God has given each of us a mission, and whether you visit the sick, comfort your neighbors, or share God's message with someone, everything you do is of value. Who doesn't enjoy remembering the way Esther saved her nation by bravely approaching the king under threat of death? And, like her, who knows but that you have been brought into the kingdom "for such a time as this"?

LaGard says: "Whenever I start to think that I'm useless, or that my life is a total waste, I remember that 'the whole duty of man" is to 'fear God and keep his commandments'. If I did nothing more than worship and serve the Creator, my life would be worthwhile." Hold on a minute...I bet you hadn't remembered that one! So simple and yet so profound. Make that one of your affirmations this week!

And if you should forget again that you have great value, think of sheep droppings. They will reassure you that your Maker doesn't want any part of His creation to go to waste--especially you!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Blessings...Mimi  

The Value of Sheep Droppings & You ~

You are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31

In chapter 21 of Meeting God in Quiet Places: the Cotswold Parables  by F. LaGard Smith, we're exposed to the world of the Cotswolds, where sheep droppings and other manures are sold because of their valuable properties. There is no lack of manure in the Cotswolds from sheep, cows, pigs and horses, and there are even "connoisseurs of animal manure." So, the discriminating manure buyer has several options before him--choices which are perfect for his specific purpose. And these manure options are the reason for the ever-present "Wellie" boots, which all Englishmen living in the country wear for protection. It turns out that manure is many things to many people: veterinarians use it as specimens, farmers and gardeners for fertilizer, and for those who don't appreciate its value--it's a four-letter vulgarity.

               

So how do you think of manure? Or maybe you don't think of manure. But for the purposes of this lesson, LaGard asks you to think of manure--not as contemptuous or loathsome, but as something as natural as anything can be. LaGard says: "It is of nature. It is part of the natural order, with heavy emphasis on order. When the sheep leave their droppings, the droppings fertilize the ground, which gives life to the grass, which the sheep eat, which in turn gives them life-sustaining nourishment--and then the cycle begins all  over again. It's a mini eco-system!" 

                      

It's NOT what many people refer to as waste--either human or animal--but a valuable contributor to the cycle of nature! Manure is often described as waste, as if it had no place or function or purpose. But that is the exact opposite of the truth. What we see as ugly is transformed. And when it decomposes, it renews life!

And if someone said, "I feel like sheep droppings today," you would know exactly what they mean. But here's the kicker from LaGard: "If sheep droppings can serve a noble purpose, what reason could I ever have to think that God won't use my life for something worthwhile?" Are you beginning to get the idea?

Okay...here we go! The bottom line for all of us is that we wonder about our destiny: "Do we really have anything special to contribute, or are we just rather ordinary? Ironically, how we answer that question may just answer that question! How we feel about our own usefulness to God can be a self-fulfilling prophecy." Hmmm...sounds serious, doesn't it? It is!!!

Do you remember the parable of the talents? The master went on a journey, leaving his property in the hands of his servants. He gave his servants money--to one 5 talents, to another 2 talents, and to still another 1 talent. While he was gone, the servant with 5 talents invested them and earned 5 more in interest. The servant with 2 talents also doubled his money. But the servant with only 1 talent was afraid, and hid his talent in a hole. And his master gave him a sharp reprimand upon his return. Which will you receive from Jesus upon his return--a "well-done" or a reprimand?

Tomorrow there will be more thoughts on being useful. For now, think about the way God is using you. And have a wonderful weekend with the family!

Blessings...Mimi