Split, Mangled, and Ugly YET Still Useful

Do you ever feel like your life is such a mess, your finances seem to live in the red, your pants are getting tighter, the split ends are nearly as long as the rest of the hair on your head, or as if Murphy and his law are leading your life?

Did you answer yes to any of these questions? Or, maybe, you're thinking I've lost my mind because you've never had such a crummy day that you felt like the piece of wood above. Regardless of your personal experience with feeling beat up and put down, I challenge you to read this blog and act on it.

My parents heat their house with a wood stove, and there is nothing like wood stove heat. I like it hot, so in the winter I spend quality time helping to keep the stove stoked and burning. Ed stops after work and fills the wood rack so Dad doesn't have to be out in the cold doing it. We enjoy time at my parents, so the wood stove heat is just an excuse, lol, not that we need one.

This past weekend Ed brought in the wood and on the last load in, we just stared at the piece strategically placed on the top. It is split, mangled, and just an ugly piece of wood. It didn't stack well in Ed's arms. It needed to be placed on the floor because we couldn't fill the wood bin or get other pieces off around its awkward jigs and jags. BUT there is still much value to this piece of wood.

Similar to our challenging days, there is always something to be thankful for when we recognize there might be a lesson to learn, better days coming, or a purpose we can't see because we're too focused on the imperfection. Ed could of left this piece of wood in the shed until the end of winter when it was needed but instead, he recognized the value within the rough cut. It's a big piece of wood and will provide a couple hours of heat on this cold winter day.

God looks at us and sees the same thing. Instead of looking at yourself or your circumstances as split, mangled, and ugly...look UP and recognize this is only a season. Look within yourself or ahead to the goal. You have a purpose and God has a plan for your life but until you are looking up, with your eyes fixed on Him ~ you'll only see the current ick of life instead of the beauty and purpose within. 

It is only when the whole heart is gripped with the passion of prayer that the life-giving fire descends, for none but the earnest man gets access to the ear of God.
Author: E.M. Bounds

You are more than a misshaped piece of wood,
you are one of God's children and have a purpose.

Look beyond the brokenness and move forward,
don't avoid the fire. Face it and let your soul burn for God!