TITLE: V is for Valuable Lessons By Coleene VanTilburg 01/27/09 |
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As I sat at the table by myself, smiles were exchanged but the conversation continued between the others seated. Not knowing one couple well, I had only met the woman once before. I do not think she looked at me long enough to remember our previous encounter or acknowledge me. The conversations went on. I was beginning to feel those lonely feelings of invisibility. I tried to make conversation, but got short one sentence answers…Well, Lord, I tried. Let’s just focus on why I am here in the first place. Yes, a fabulous production; so many helping, talented, hard-working souls. I will enjoy the media presentation and the food and thank the Lord for the opportunity to use my gifts. But I was also eavesdropping on conversation.
“Well, I brought maple-walnut cake and then I remembered there would probably be a lot of kids here and kids probably wouldn’t like that, so I also brought some brownies. The invitation said ‘U-Z’s ‘(last name) bring desserts; so there is only three of us families ;”( she proceeds to name them), so I just brought extra.”
I so much wanted to interject that my name started with V and I was sitting right here and I brought my dessert, but I sat still and invisible.
As recognition began for our various tasks, I stood for my contribution to the production, received my applause and quickly took my seat again. I was wishing my husband were here because this was definitely a team effort, actually he did more like 75% to my 25%. All of a sudden, someone began to talk to me.
“So you helped with the set?” she said in a quizzical tone.
“Yes, my husband and I built the child’s car, the one the main character wants to purchase for her son from the dept. store… We built it and painted it in our front patio at home. “
“Oh, she said.”
Yes, you guessed it, the conversation ended.
I was now justified. I needed grace and I needed to give it; an amazing lesson.
I am so glad I am not invisible to God. He sees my efforts at serving Him and He hears my prayers when I am discouraged. His Holy Spirit engages me in a sweet conversation daily. I am here not to please man, but to glorify my Father. We are all parts of one Body, the Body of Christ. I happen to be an over-sensitive part sometimes, but I am always trying to learn what God wants me to learn from these times.
Psalm 34:2a My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
Psalm 3:3 But thou Oh Lord, are a shield about me, my Glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Coleene VanTilburg
1/26/09
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