No Extra Parts

Over the last two weeks I’ve had the privilege of sitting at the table with 8 other adults during a class on strengths and purpose. The class is called “FIT.”  Sitting with these adults is in itself a treat since most of my time is spent with people in the single digit age range-or with those literally just entering double digits.  Anyway…during FIT, I’ve been able to hear about the strengths of others. It was during last night’s class that I got- once again- a picture of how each one of us is significant in God’s overall plan; how we are each an integral part of God’s story. 

I think- in our flesh- we can many times lose sight of this truth.  We are wrapped up in our own lives; the good, the bad, and the ugly of those lives. Our own circumstances, the busyness of family and work, the things that distract us, even the things that give us joy…they all keep us from remembering the importance of our purpose in the big picture. 

Think about this - we are all where we are and when we are by God’s design.  He didn’t put us in California or China-at least not right now.  He didn’t create us in the 1800’s, but in this century.  There is a specific reason and purpose for that. God is anything but random, so therefore where, when, and who we are is not random either. 

In listening to each person’s strengths, and how they are finding their “deal” (or specific purpose) in God’s Kingdom is both fascinating and encouraging.  You see…I not only get the privilege of sitting at a table for 3 weeks with these folks, I get to be a part of the same puzzle…story…plan as they are.  My where and when is intertwined- at least for now-with theirs.  That gives me new drive to do what God has called me to do so that maybe…just maybe…it will help someone else do what He’s called them to do.

As you spend some time with people- in the single-digit age range- or older, remember that your where and when is crossing paths with the where and when of others.  Fulfilling your purpose- even for just one moment- may help them one day fulfill their purpose in God’s Kingdom.  I hope it excites and motivates you to know that the one stitch you put in the tapestry of another’s life could be the one that brings color and beauty to that tapestry. 

One of the best quotes I’ve heard on this subject in a while was in the movie “Hugo”:

Hugo Cabret:  “I'd imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn't be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason too.”

There are no extra or unneeded parts.  God is purposeful and anything but random, so therefore…

You matter…others around you matter…we all matter in God’s story. 

We all FIT.