As I stood there in the Chapel at City of Grace in Mesa , AZ , I glanced down at the bag I had in my hand. It was beautiful rich deep purple velvet with sculptured wooden handles. That November morning I was waiting to walk down the isle to collect the offering from the congregation. As I looked closer I discovered something disturbing it had a good sized tear on the ridge of the bag. No one would notice unless they were really looking.
My immediate response was, "How tacky! This should not be used anymore!" But then as I stood there starting to feel ashamed of what I had in my hands, the Lord spoke to me in His gentle way. He showed me a better way to look at this vessel. This beautiful torn bag had much to do. It would collect the tithings and gifts from His children. It would hold the names of the new comers, the messages and prayers that were need by the parishioners and their families. It would carry the contributions that would aid the sick, house the weary and minister to the lost. It would be the barer of new class rooms, salaries for the servants of the church and bring hope to the needy.
If we take the time to look, God will use even the smallest of events to teach us, guide us and remind us of the Love that He has for us. Many of us are like that old offering bag a little tattered on the outside, worn and aged, and even scraped up a bit. But we still have value. We can plant the seeds of salvation and bring souls to His Kingdom. We still can bring joy to the sad, healing to the sick and minister to the lost or needy. We can build confidence in others, share a hug and listen when there is no one else to do so. God does not see the containers, only what is on the inside. We are more than our packaging; we are the gifts inside He has given us and the gifts that we can give others.
So, as I journeyed down the isle, I stood a little taller and walked a little prouder because I understood the beauty and importance of that little offering bag. It carried the love and blessings of the past and all the hope and prayers for the future.
Actually I decided not to. I thought about it and found that its mission was still of value and if we were discarded just because we had a few "nicks", it would be a pretty empty and lonely world. The character in our faces and in our hearts show the lessons we have learned and the life we have lead... all which bring us to who we are today. For most of us, we are glad for who we have become and are proud of how far that journey has taken us.
May your journey be long and successful and may the character you wear be a monument to whom you have become.
Sorry I missed your beautiful comment yesterday. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my humble words. It gives me great joy to be able to use God's gifts that He has bestowed upon me for His glory and for the pleasure of His children.
Very nicely written, Star. Although I am not a Christian, I do read the bible as it offers so many beautiful inspirations. Regardless of one's religious beliefs, one thing holds true: we are ALL children of God and we are just as perfect. I believe, with all my heart, that it wouldn't have mattered if you'd held a paper sack. It was your love that mattered. This is, to me, what God intends for each of us. Share the love! You seem to do that quite well~
Thank you for your kind words. I agree, we are all God's children and in His eyes we are indeed perfect. I am thrilled that you read the Bible, as it is filled with so much truth and guidance to help us be better people and live a better life.
Blessings to you and your family and may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
You are welcome. It brings me great joy to be able to do just that. A moment of smiles can sometimes be the greatest difference made in a persons life.
Hi Star, so good to see your writing again. What a beautiful story and lesson for each of us to remember. Thanks for sharing your "little spanking" ((smiles)). Very inspirational indeed. Love and blessings, Teresa
You are always so kind and always an inspiration to me. I have so much to write and will be sharing more as time goes by. Thank you for your blessings and right backatcha my sweet friend. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and may you and your family continue to be blessed.
Are you the STAR shining in the 'blue sky of Searchwarp'. May be yes. I reckon you that way. Because the thought, the inspiration that I received from your article is just so beautiful and soothing to my heart, I cant explain.
The Holy Spirit is always ready to teach us whenever we are sensitive to His small & still voice.
Thanks a lot for that wonderful inspiration. May God Bless you abundantly...
My heart is smiling with your sweet comments. I am humbled and grateful at how my story touched you. The Holy Spirit spoke to me that Sunday morning and graced me with the ability to share His teachings with you.
Your SMILE says that how beautiful is your heart. Though I am a counselor, I was pretty depressed today. You cheered me up and inspired me so much. God Bless you & keep reviving as many people as possible for HIS glory.
And yes don't forget to get inspired by my articles...hee hee.
And you are indeed one of His best gifts. Your writing is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for stopping by and checking out my article. There are others that you might enjoy on my home page as well .
Star not surprised at your lovely writing as you always wrote beautifully but what surprised me is how God made you see your value to Him and to others I love you keep writing God is using you in a mighty way
Thank you my sweet friend across the pond!. I am thrilled that you now have access to this site. Be sure to check out the other authors in this category, as there are many, many talented writers and great information expressed in creative and thoughtful ways.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!
