Chips along the way

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”

Psalm 92:14

My husband and I got married almost thirteen years ago. In preparation for our new life together we completed the obligatory wedding gift registry. Included on the list were a set of brown striped dishes. Nothing fancy; just simple dishes we could use every day. Family and friends were kind enough to meet our needs back then and we still have those dishes all these years later. I still remember when we first got them. Back then I carefully took them out of the box, washed and dried each one and placed it in the cupboard for use. Since then we’ve served countless meals on those dishes and subjected them to thousands of washings. Along the way their newness wore off, their bright shine dimmed some and in some cases, little etchings have appeared – the result of anxious forks and heavy hands. Sometimes I think about replacing those dishes with their chipped edges and slight cracks. But why? After all these years, they still have use; still, have a purpose. By themselves, they are a testimony of God’s provision.

We live in a world that is quick to discard anything old. Things ‘past their prime’ seemingly have less importance and less value. But God finds value in all of creation. And that value does not diminish with time. A few scrapes, cracks or bruises are not cause for alarm. Rather they are cause for celebration. It shows the endurance and perseverance that those items went through to arrive at the other side. All of life is not beautiful, simple or fun. Some days are hard, trying and devastating. But if God has seen you through those times, though you are bruised, worn and a little rougher around the edges you are still here. Alive, filled with purpose and useful for service.