We’ve recently moved to a new neighbourhood as we have relocated to live in a different city, and the suburb we live in now is a bit more upmarket than what we are used to. In moving here God made a point of telling us that we are to always seek to increase in every area of our lives and to lean into Him to become all that He has planned for us, even if that makes us uncomfortable as we adjust and grow.
Before we moved, we sold most of our furniture and therefore we now need to replace it which has led to me browsing furniture websites and marketplace. Today, however, my youngest son Isaac came charging into the kitchen to tell me that some furniture was on the verge of someone’s house across the road and to come have a look. Isaac loves woodwork, and I like upcycling old furniture from other people’s unwanted goods so this was not an unusual request.
I know intrinsically that upcycling saves a lot of household goods from going into landfill and that it is a good use of my skills and resources, but today, I was hesitant as I wandered past the perfectly manicured gardens and affluent looking streets after my excited son. The reason being is that a small part of me felt like what we do and are might not be acceptable in this neighbourhood, and what were our new neighbours think as we picked through their rubbish?
That, however, didn’t stop Isaac. He had an animated discussion on our neighbours’ front lawn about a chest of drawers he felt I could work my creative skills on. He then ran down the street to pick up a blank canvas for me to paint on. as he grabbed some outdoor chairs along the way.
Isaac quite simply doesn’t care what anyone else thinks, and he reminded me by his actions and attitude that I shouldn’t either. He sees only the potential of what he can restore and recreate for free, and his excitement is about using what God has put in front of him and honing and using his gifts and skills to make something useful and beautiful again. He is happy being himself and is blissfully unaware and unfazed by social status, protocol or what is or isn’t acceptable on our new street.
Today, Isaac and Jesus gently prompted me to continue to embrace and be comfortable with who I am because that person is pretty spectacular. It doesn’t matter if other people accept or understand that or not if I am honest and true to myself.
I love upcycling, being creative, resourceful and restoring things to be beautiful and useful again, and that is a great thing which I don’t need to apologise for.
I encourage you to be happy with who you are today as you seek God’s plan and best for your life. Who you are and all that you bring to the world is pretty great, and you should never apologise for that!
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“I’m obviously not trying to flatter you or water down my message to be popular with men, but my supreme passion is to please God. For if all I attempt to do is please people, I would fail to be a true servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10 TPT)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for al l that I am and all that you have planned for me. Please help me to be comfortable with being me and lead me in the way I should go today. In Jesus name Amen.
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