“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3
When the movie “City Slickers” came out, my family and I saw it right away. It was the story of a man and his two close friends who went on a cattle round-up adventure. He appeared to be having somewhat of a mid-life crisis. He was desperately trying to find out what was the meaning of his life. He was hoping to find out during this time. There is one scene in the movie where, Billy Crystal’s character, Mitch, was riding along side of the cowboy in charge of the drive, named Curly. Curly asked him what he thought the meaning of life was. Mitch said, “I don’t know.” The cowboy put up a finger and said “one thing”. Billy Crystal in his humorous way asked, “your finger?” Curly said, “Just one thing and you got to figure that out.” Mitch realized he wasn’t sure what that one thing was. I was 14 years old at the time and for some reason, I wanted to know what the meaning of my life was too. Right around the same time the movie came out, I had one of those “Curly and Mitch” moments.
My family and I went to a church, where the pastor set a time before the sermon for the congregation to pray for those around them. I was embarrassed to join hands with strangers and give a prayer request, let alone pray for anyone. This particular day, we were to pray with this man in a wheelchair. He was paralyzed from a gun shot when he used to be active in a gang. While incarcerated, he was witnessed to and gave his life to Christ. When he was released, he served God by witnessing to other gang members. Despite his disabilities, he seemed happier than most, especially me. After we prayed, he gave me my “Curly and Mitch” moment. He said, “Your life is like a pearl. A pearl is perfectly round and beautiful. But anything added, anything taken away from it, it will no longer be a pearl. This is what God wants you know.” I hugged and thanked him and cried for the next ten minutes. But I didn’t really understand what that meant. I asked people for many years after, what did that word for me mean. People seemed perplexed. Nothing seemed to answer that question. Twenty years later, I was given my answer.
I was in a mentoring program at my current church. I was paired with a great lady. I was troubled again with where I was currently in my walk with the Lord. She told me about her son’s “Transformer” toy he has. She was saying how it begins as one thing and then using parts it already has, can become something completely different, better and stronger.” For some reason, that explanation brought up that day, twenty years ago about what the pearl story was for me.
I keep wanting to know what my life will be or how God will use me, but those gifts and ideas, are already in me. I don’t need to go to seminary or get a degree in theology, to have any knowledge of God. God will reveal those gifts in me as I continue to seek Him. I don’t need to wish, I was better in something for God to use me. Throughout The Bible, He used plenty of people who were messed up in more ways than one, but used them to bring complete glory to God. I do hope though, we can all have our “Curly and Mitch” moment.
Prayer:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I am so thankful how you made me unique. Remind me to appreciate all that I was born with. Forgive for wishing I was different or had more. Show me where and who I am to help and be a light in this world. May your glory shine through me and use me each and every single day. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!”
SOULUTION 