God’s recycling program

Last updated on: August 8, 2009 at 7:31 am by Michelle Van Loon

God’s recycling program 2009-08-08T07:31:00-05:00 Michelle Van Loon

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“I’m sorry, but there’s no room for you in the program here,” my advisor looked up from a stack of papers centered on the desk in front of her. “If you’re convinced you want to pursue this teaching certification, there are other colleges you might consider if you’re willing to transfer out of state.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, willing myself not to burst into tears. This deadbolted door was not not the way things were supposed to happen. The deaf education program at Illinois State University had an enrollment cap, and I’d tried for three semesters to move into one of the rare open spots in the program. I couldn’t immediately afford to transfer to an out-of-state school.

I returned to my home town and entered the work force in search of a Plan B. Or C. I was certain that working with deaf children was God’s Plan A for me. Through a long, challenging process of relinquishment, I learned to unclench my fists from Plans A-C (and D-Z, too), offering my gifts, skills, experiences and desires to Him to use as He saw fit. Or not use at all.

I recently spent a bit of time reflecting on what He’s placed in those emptied, worshiping hands as I moved through life. (You know where this is going, don’t you?)

He has recycled those gifts, skills and desires, asking me to use them in ways I never could have dreamed. Sign language, for example, trained me to quickly access my brain’s thesaurus function because a single sign can represent a number of spoken vocabulary words. This training has been invaluable to me in my vocation as a writer.

God’s redemptive recycling program doesn’t waste a single moment of our life’s experiences. Joseph expressed this truth perfectly after he revealed his identity to his betraying brothers after years of separation: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen. 50:20).

What about you? How has God recycled your past gifts, skills, experiences and/or desires? Please send an e-mail to [email protected] telling me how He’s using something from your past in your life right now. I’d love to hear a bit of your story!

As a way to honor you and the One who makes all things new, everyone who e-mails me even a single sentence on the topic will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate from Christian Book Distributors. Keep it for yourself – or gift it to a friend who is experiencing a deadbolted door of his or her own.

Writing and speaking news

I’m once again offering e-mail tutorial services to home schooling families. If you or someone you know is looking for personalized, step-by-step writing instruction for a child in grades 5-12, please point them toward my website: homepagewriting.com.

I’ll be leading a couple of workshops at the Wisconsin Christian Writers Conference on Saturday, October 17. This affordable event promises to be a great day filled with practical tools for aspiring authors. Visit the website for registration information.

If your group is looking for a Word-rooted, Spirit-led speaker, I’d welcome the opportunity to help connect our stories to His with messages and prayer ministry based on the parables. I’m also happy to work with you to develop a message or a retreat tailored for your group. Contact me at [email protected].

I had an opportunity to be a part of two very different book projects both releasing this fall. One is a devotional for women entitled Quiet Reflections Of Hope (Baker/Revell). This simple, thoughful volume would make a lovely gift for a busy woman in need of a brief, focused bit of time with the Lord each morning. The second project is still under wraps for another few weeks. I can tell you that it is a creative and worshipful volume. I’ll send details as soon as the publisher gives the group of contributors the OK to reveal the project. (I can’t wait!)

And if you’re in search of a fresh, Biblically-faith exploration of more than 24 of the stories Jesus told, visit www.theparablelife.com to order my books Parablelife: Living the stories Jesus told in real time and Uprooted: Living a parable life from the inside out.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

August 1, 2009

Up North Tour Guide?

Next Post

August 10, 2009 Heading home via Deuteronomy 8

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Baggage Books Calendar Church and Ministry CVID Ecclesiology Everyday Christian life Faith Falling Upward From The Margins Housing Jesus Movement's Unintended Consequences Midlife Midlife Survey #1 Midlife Survey #2 Moments and Days Out To The Margins Pilgrim's Road Trip Regret Seminary Spiritual Formation Uncategorized What's A Nice Jewish Grandmother Like You Doing In Seminary? When The Heart Waits Writing

Select a Month June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who said: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith"?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Paul Peter James John