“The trees… Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies …O LORD, how manifold are thy works!” (Psa 104:16-24).
My fable of The Animal School – In daily life some animals were discontent with their places in life, so they decided to attend a special school to teach animals to excel in all areas. Examples: The duck could swim but could not soar as the eagle. The eagle could soar but could not swim as the duck. They tried very hard but soon became weary and disappointed. Because no one can excel in all areas. Everyone has different gifts, talents, and abilities, but all can be used of the Lord. Just because you cannot sing does not mean you cannot serve. The duck was comfortable in water, but not in running. The duck learned that if you walk like a duck, swim like a duck, quack like a duck then you must be a duck. The eagle tried to swim but just could not do it. Soon the duck splashed happily in the water, and the eagle again joyfully soared.
Learn to accept where and what you are! The moral of this fable: “Be who you is, cuz if you ain’t who you is then you is what you ain’t.” You cannot be me and I cannot be you. We all have different gifts and abilities (1 Cor. 12:12). Learn that the Lord places you as it pleases Him (not you). No one has all gifts and all abilities. Naturally you should learn more so you can do more, but there are some things you just cannot do.
“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath (can do), and not according to that he hath not (cannot do)” (2 Cor. 8:12). I hath not abilities to sing, but I can sign to the Deaf. Make a list of your haths then be willing to do them. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Eccl. 9:10). When you are in your right place it will please both you and God. Why? Cuz you are in the comfort of your sweet spot. Ministry should be enjoyed not endured. Learn to use what you hath: David used a sling, Dorcas used a needle, Moses used a rod. I often say, “If everyone would just be willing to use what they hath, every need in the church would be met.” Learn to bloom where you are planted. If you are a duck, don’t try to soar like an eagle, but be the best duck you can be for the Lord. So learn to be who you is cuz, if you ain’t who you is then you is what you ain’t.” Learn a lesson from the animal school.
Relationships should be real not ritual – TC
