Homeschooling affords some unique opportunities. While copying off a neighbor is not an option when you are in a class of one, the teacher key is readily handy — as a young pupil discovered one day while her instructor was at the grocery store.
When the teacher sat down that evening to check her daughter’s Language Arts paper, it did not take long to figure out that a textbook answer was given. Amid a variety of elementary nouns with descriptive adjectives like brown dog and furry kitten was a suspicious answers may vary statement filling in a few of the blanks. It did not take a linguistic genius to conclude that the student may have taken a peek at the teacher’s key.
When confronted, the pupil could not deny the obvious. Thankfully, said student was not a good cheater. Although, that particular scenario may have aided her in stepping up the game as she learned to differentiate between definitive and inconclusive answers.
Such it is with life. As much as I like concrete solutions, the truth is, sometimes answers may vary is a legitimate conclusion.
Sometimes the answers vary depending upon the season of my life. Other times they seem to completely elude me. Or leave space for mystery as I grasp hold of some truth, but not necessarily all of it. Some things require I leave room for the Holy Spirit to reveal His wisdom in tidbits that I can digest rather than force-feeding my already too-full heart, making me miserable in the process.
Introspection is necessary for maturing, and things like personality tests and spiritual gifting evaluations can be beneficial in understanding who you are and how you think and respond to life. But don’t allow any of this to make you forget you are free.
Confinement is not a helpful tool in finding your role in God’s kingdom. You are more than a rating of 1-10 or an Enneagram type or a combination of letters from a Myers-Briggs personality test.
While searching for yourself and the answers to life, don’t waste precious time trying to find where you fit in an ill-fitting world. Find your fit in Father’s arms. Let yourself become known to you in the safety of His care. And in the truth of His words spoken over you and secured into your soul. Remember, it is okay if the way it all sorts out in you differs from how it plays out in others.
Truth is truth, but answers may vary from person to person in how that particular truth comes to life and is lived out. And loved out. The essence of it all is to bring Father glory and to do it in the way in which you have been uniquely designed to offer your praise to Him.
For some, that means crafting works of art, writing song lyrics, or putting movements to a melody. Others may build things with their hands or offer practical skills like baking or banking. Some may start a nonprofit that rescues children from sex trafficking, while others may head up corporations that generate finances on a modest or grand scale.
The truth is, it is all needful in bringing God’s kingdom here on earth.
You, beloved, are the representation of Jesus that people see. Your presence matters more than you realize. People are affected by the life you live and the love you share — even in seemingly simple ways.
When reading the account of Jesus feeding the multitude in John 6, I have to wonder about the mom who packed a lunch for her son that morning. I’ll bet she had no idea her daily offering would be multiplied to feed a crowd of more than 5,000 people. Otherwise, she may have thrown a few extra tilapia in there. (Or maybe some holy mackerel?) She probably also had no notion that her consistent example and encouragement to live generously spilled over into her son’s heart, prompting him to share his small lunch of loaves and fishes. All she knew was that he needed to be fed and that he needed to learn to share with others. Simple motherly responsibilities, right?
Simple things offered to Jesus have a way of bringing about big miracles.
This is a good reminder to live determined to make His purposes known wherever you are, in whatever season of life you may find yourself right now. Even if the space you are occupying seems small and insignificant.
Instead of getting preoccupied with what you think needs to be the right response that defines you, learn to BE YOURSELF. Allow room for growth, but don’t withhold what is in your hands at this moment of your life. Even if it may appear too elementary. Or as simple as a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread.
Miracles happen, and they generally show up in ordinary moments through ordinary folks like you and me.
Our offerings may vary in what they are or how they are used, but in the hands of Jesus, they will always be multiplied into something valuable.
You have His word on it.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
– 2 Corinthians 4:7
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FOR REFLECTION
Do you find yourself continually searching out personality tests or rating yourself on any number of scales in hopes of defining or redefining yourself? What do you think lies at the core of this?
Introspection and self-assessment are valuable tools as long as they are held in check by God and do not cause us to stumble into the comparison trap. These tests can help us understand ourselves and others, but they also can become confining if we don’t allow for some variance.
Too often, we measure the smallness of our own lives against the highlights of others (Thank you, social media.) Beware of minimizing the power of God that is in you, simple vessel though you may be. Ask His Spirit to fill you each day, then look for opportunities to be a blessing, no matter how big or small. Who knows, you just may be the makings of a miracle for someone today.
What one small thing can you offer into Jesus’ hands right now?