Unusual Collection
An “Unusual Collection” was the theme on display at the Aldrich House in Elmwood, NE this past fall.
Many people submitted their unusual collections to be used so that as people toured the house they could see them. There was a description of what the collection was, who the collector was and why they started collecting this particular item.
For example: My cousin, had been collecting all sorts of Pez candy dispensers since he was 10 years old. From the presidents, to Star Wars, to KISS.
My granddaughter, had collected feathers from walks we would take when she was a very little girl.
Another couple of collections by friends of mine were some old cameras, with flash bulbs and cases. A wonderful collection was “Into the Woods”, showcasing books, a bonnet to the doll that Laura Ingalls had (not the original).
My son-in-law, collects old vintage jean jackets and overalls and has pulled them out of the most disasterous places to put them on display. He enjoys finding them and then learning all about their maker and time period.
There was a collection of Perler beads that had everything from sunglasses to a pirate boat. This sweet collector is a friend's daughter who made me smile everytime I walked by it.
One last to mention, was from a friend who loved to take walks and search. She would look for rocks in the shape of Nebraska. From little to big, it was a sight.
Why do I mention all of this? it's because yesterday was the day we took down all of the collections to make room for the new Christmas display.
This got me to thinking and then it turned into a conversation with God and then it turned into this blog.
Here's a question for you. Did you know that you and I are God's unsual collection?
Psalm 139:14 VOICE
I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.
Collections we have here on earth can be fun for a moment, but then they go right back in the box and get stored for another occasion.
God says that we are His unique designed person and that we have a purpose. We don't just have a shining moment and then get put away, we get to be on display all of the time. Some of us were found in disasterous places, some of us on a gentle walk, some of us went on a journey and some of us were wooed by His colors and fun. But, all of us are unusual and purposefully brought into His family, when we say “Yes” to His Son, Jesus! You can be unique and be on diplay in a museum of dead things, or you can be displayed at the right hand of Jesus, with His Life, for all to see.
John 3:16 is our way out of death and into Life.
I remember reading in Rest of the Gospel, a book I highly reccommend, about how God uses every dimple, scar, wart and color for His glory. Do you ever think that your oddity could be an open door for a conversation with someone? or how bout that crooked tooth you have that sticks out? Could it be that there is someone who might be drawn to it. I know this sounds silly, but believe me, I've had people come up to me with the most uniqueness that drew me to them. We are not to be cookie-cutter Christians, but to be the wonderful Christ-one that God made.
Today, is the day that we can praise Him for our uniqueness and be encouraged that we are apart of his family.
Let Him Shine in you today!
One of my favorite songs as a child was "This Little Light of Mine". It might be a good one to sing outloud and share with your kiddos and grandkiddos. It's simple truth shared in a fun way!