Another Chicken Tale
When Morton wanted to raise chickens, I hesitantly agreed. It would be fun to photograph them, paint them – from a distance of course. I would never ever tend them. But, then, I had to. Morton went off for a weekend and I couldn’t let the chickies starve, could I? That’s when I was attacked. Three times. Welding a stick didn’t help. Hollering didn’t help. Note: Never turn your back on a rooster with hens to protect, even to run!
Believe it or not, that mean, handsome bird reminded me of Jesus’ words. Which made me realize I owed Big Bird an apology. He protected his hens (even from the hands that were trying to feed them) and he accomplished well his God-given responsibility.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Like ol’ Big Bird, Christ has given each of us jobs to do too. He has even blessed us with the abilities we require to carry them out. In Max Lucado’s book Cure for the Common Life*, he calls these jobs our “sweet spot”. We can find our sweet spot at the intersection of everyday life where our responsibilities meet our abilities, our strengths, our passions, and God’s glory.
Christ entrusted each of us with a piece of the puzzle that fits into the work of building His Kingdom. That is a heavy yet awesome, life-giving responsibility. It can be a joyful responsibility when we find our own sweet place and way to serve Him.
Our work matters to God and matters to His Kingdom. We are each unique, God made us that way. And people need our unique abilities in this crazy world.
Finding our sweet spot, the place God prepared for us to be and serve, takes effort and time. God blessed me with a love of using my hands. I knew that at a young age, yet it took me years to find the right place to use my hands for His purpose. He blessed me with a voice, yet it took a long time to learn to trust Him and be brave enough to use it for His Kingdom.
Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 MSG
I’m not saying that when we find the exact spot God has planned for us to work that it will be easy or without trials. Big Bird did his job with a vengeance. I did my job to feed the hens with trepidation. But we both did our jobs.
Whether you believe you are in the exact place God has for you right this minute or not, continue seeking, serving and honoring God in all you do. The bottom line is to honor God with whatever work we do. For a salary or without. Full time or part time. To use our God-given abilities to the best of our ability every single day.
God honors work. He worked to make this world for us and give us life with His own breath. Doesn’t it follow that we should honor God with our work and use it to help build His Kingdom? Despite the cost?
Hugs and blessings,
Dear Lord, I know Your plan and purpose for me is to live and work for Your glory, serving Your people and building Your Kingdom. I pray that every day I remember this and honor You in all I do and say. Amen.
A new Book Report has been added to this website under the Bible Study category. Check some of the books I have found meaningful, including this new listing of Max Lucado’s Cure for the Common Life. If you have favorite books to recommend, please add them below in the comments.