Hello Friend!
The other day my husband and I wandered out to a nearby fruit and vegetable stand. Rows of pumpkins, gourds and other fall goodies lined the front. Families gathered around to touch, thump and observe each one.
Eventually a child would declare, “I want this one!” When a parent would squint their eyes and inquire, “Why that one?” the child would enthusiastically point and declare something like, “I like this bump! It looks like a camel!”
The parents would shrug their shoulders and then that gangly, unsightly gourd would be scooped up and carried home with love.
Chosen for its imperfections.
I can’t help thinking it’s much the same with us. Jesus looks at us and says, “I want that one!” Perhaps the angels tilt their heads in a bit of confusion and ask, “Why that one, Lord?” And He says, “Because what she sees as a weakness is actually a way I can show my strength in unexpected ways through her.”
What would you change about yourself if you could?
What if that’s the very thing God wants to use?
I run my fingers over the surface of a speckled pumpkin. It seems hard ground or challenging weather have etched rough lines on one side. I pick it up and feel its weight in my hands. It’s still solid on the inside.
I catch a child watching me out of the corner of her eye, waiting to see if I’ll put back that pumpkin–the one she clearly wants.
I lean in close to that rough surface, smile and whisper softly as I set it down, “Someone has good plans for you.”
xoxo
— Holley
p.s. Fall is my favorite time of year! What’s your favorite fall tradition? I love baking pumpkin everything–muffins, crisp, bread, etc. 🙂
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