FOOD FOR THOUGHT
(12/31/2006)
Every
Dumpling Counts!
Cindy Hong
Compared
to my mom, I probably seem quite wasteful and live extravagantly. Instead
of buying 5 pounds of unpeeled carrots, I will spend the same amount to
get a 1 pound bag of peeled and cut carrots. Instead of buying a bunch
of unwashed spinach, I will without hesitation spend twice as much for
a small bag of pre-washed greens. If leftovers have been in the fridge
for several days I will unashamedly toss it out rather than force myself
to eat it.
A
few months ago Quest Fellowship had a dumpling party and as is typical
at an Asian dumpling party, there were lots of leftover dumplings. I was
generously given two takeout boxes of dumplings, which was a lot of dumplings
for one person. It took me 6 evenings, but I finally finished the last
dumpling. Not a one went to waste (Mom would be proud!). I love dumplings
and each one was precious to me.
How much more so with God! I am in no way trying to compare dumplings
with God's children, but how precious are people to God that he desires
no one should perish. Just as the Shepherd won't rest until that 100th
sheep is found, and just as I desire that not one of those dumplings went
into the trash, so also God desires all of us to be in fellowship and
communion with Him via salvation. But also in sanctification, he desires
that not one of our lives be wasted for him either. This includes using
the gifts he's given us to serve others, responding to the love he's given
by reaching out to others, delighting in him and praising him for who
he is and all that he has done. Every one of our lives counts to him and
everything we do matters to him. As we enter a new year, may we make each
day count for him!
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