Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Craft (04/23/26)
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TITLE: Popsicle Sticks, Glue and a Lot of Jesus | Previous Challenge Entry
By Peter M Gautchier
04/25/26 -
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Try as I might I could never really create anything that stands the test of time. When I was a boy in my tween years, I fashioned some of my toys out of popsicle sticks, glue and a vivid imagination. I would play with them until they fell apart in my hands or until my boredom wreaked havoc upon them. My parents were endlessly supportive, and they believed I could create anything if and when I put my mind to the task. I, on the other hand, did not feel that way.
Momma would say, “Freddie, keep working on it. You are blessed with skilled hands and a creative mind. Believe in yourself. God knows you have talent!”
I would challenge her saying, “Why then did God give me all thumbs because nothing I make never seems to be any good! At school, the other kids laugh at me when I try to make anything in arts and crafts class especially with popsicle sticks. I feel so embarrassed. I think God should reverse the clock before my birthday and do a remake of me.”
Then my Momma said something to me which changed my life forever. “Freddie, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. He will help you especially when you are feeling distressed and inadequate. He died for us because we are so imperfect. Jesus knows you can’t do it alone. He is by your side; just trust Him.”
I often wondered why my momma never went into ministry. I guess the Lord believed that her craft was raising a family up in the way of the Church. She excelled at it. Her words that day stirred up the Holy Spirit in my heart.
Times were still tough. People were still critical of what I said and did. Nonetheless, through my latter teen years and into college I continually whispered under my breath, “Not my will, but your Will be done.” That short prayer refrain kept my heart and mind focused on Christ’s strength intervening in my life.
This may be no surprise to you, but I eventually became a minister in the Church. Along the way to becoming a pastor I still fumbled at my proverbial sticks and glue. Some would not hold together and break, but I knew Christ remains at my side through my trials and foibles. Any success in my ministry is credited to the intervention of Jesus Christ. Again, “Not my will, but His Will be done.”
I have been asked (and also privately to myself), did I make the right choice. My unequivocable answer is absolutely! People are so much like popsicle sticks. A single stick doesn’t do much by itself. But, add a few more and you get a work of art, much like a church community of believers held together by the glue of Jesus. Sure, pieces from time-to-time break away, but there is always restoration through love, grace, mercy and forgiveness from the risen Lord.
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!
Crafting with popsicle sticks is an active Sunday school activity at our church. There is a consequence; however, I’ve added a few pounds from all the popsicles I have eaten over the years. (Smile).
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