“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and I would say, ‘I used everything you gave me.'”
Erma Bombeck, American humorist (1927-1996)
Sixteen years ago, my 10 faith-based articles for Adams Media were published in the “Cup of Comfort” series. A few copies remain in the treasure chest that sits at the foot of my bed. The edition is now out of print. When my dear octogenarian friend I’ll call Dottie (her actual name), decided to lean into her passion for writing, I gave her a copy. Dottie recently published a book detailing her vocation as a nurse, “Out from Under the Bedpan into Cyberspace Nursing.” Dottie has just begun her new writing career. Her next book will be based on the 23rd Psalm. She agrees she has many more books in her head. Though her body tends to slow her down, her thoughts and ideas do not.
Last week, Dottie texted, having read “We Can’t All Be Feet,” in the “Cup of Comfort” devotional. She wrote, “I too am glad we are not all feet!” I smiled. Certainly, we are not all the same and thank God for that. Dottie is the most exuberant and courageous octogenarian I know. She doesn’t quit.
Dottie’s comment prompted me to re-read “We Can’t All Be Feet.” Here it is:
Sitting around Susan’s kitchen table, I listened while she cried. Her family was in turmoil. Family members had turned against her, her husband was indifferent. “They say I’m the crazy one,” she explained.
I looked at her and thought how mixed up the world is. Susan has wonderful gifts that bless her family and her friends. Yet, some see her as different, nonconforming and odd.
Susan bakes bread, organizes vegetable co-ops, shops thrift stores and homeschooled her children. She’s a devoted friend, generous and faithful. It is true Susan does not conform to society’s generally accepted ways.
God made His children uniquely different, each with special gifts and purposes. Everyone has a place in his or her immediate family, as well as the family of God. In terms of the parts of Christ’s Body, can everyone be a foot? A hand? Our differences complete the body of believers and glorify our Creator. Today let’s celebrate that we are not all feet.
The story was a reminder of all the talents and abilities we can share to make our world a better place. Nothing is too small, and nothing is too big to collectively share. Habitat for Humanity “Hand Up” houses were announced in last week’s Dispatch. Houses need hands to hammer a nail, paint a wall. The Mardi Gras celebration at Garden Hill Assisted Living with Melvin Mordecai performing Motown music — a voice to sing. Loaves and Fishes serving warm meals — a pot to stir. Donations to thrift stores — a closet decluttered. Reading to children — a book to share. Schools needing school supplies — Clorox Clean Up and Kleenex.
Maybe you’re not a group person, but you could walk your neighborhood and pick up trash like the ponytailed man on Old West Point Road. All it takes is a hand, a foot, a voice, a back, a brain, an eye, an ear, and most of all, a heart.
Email reaches Shannon Bardwell of Columbus at [email protected].
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