A couple decades ago i had a boss at work that talked about different job duties and assignments in a way that has stuck with me over the years … One of his favorite dishes, sushi, always came with extra “rice bowls” and he used them as an example when talking about assignments … Saying “if everyone has their own little “rice bowl” then, they can become an expert, but, for every 4 experts, we leave a gap … That gap can get filled, but, we leave another gap” … The overall meaning he taught was that while it was SUPER important to have experts on his team, it should never be to the exclusion of the “gaps” where folks would look at somone else’s work and say “that’s not my job” …

As i was dipping into our “butterware” cabinet (hey, don’t judge!) this morning to find the perfect vessel to store the remainder of the sausage gravy for another day i saw the controlled chaos that is that cabinet and it reminded me both of that lesson that was taught to me all those years ago along with the two scripture lessons today … You see, God gave Jacob (Israel) blessings to pass down to his sons, but, that didn’t mean that they worked as 12 different tribes or nations, they worked as 1 nation under God (where did we hear that before!) … Paul then reminded us of the gifts that God has bestowed on us … Some have the ability to talk (i’ve been told i don’t have the ability to shut up, but, i digress!) .. Some to teach, some to care, some to, well, you get the picture … But, that doesn’t mean that if you do ONE really really well you stop there …

I don’t think God sees us as perfect displays of modern art or shapes to be put into a sorter  … we’re more like the chaos in my butterware cabinet … Well, maybe without the tomato stains 🙂

Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 12:1-26 / Genesis 49

Questions

What gift(s) are you using to further the Kingdom ??? (no judgments) ….