“All I ever have to be, is what you made me. Any more or less would be a step out of your plan.” – Amy Grant
One of my favorite analogies is that of the “guy spinning plates”. We’ve all seen him before. Just like the picture, he’s got these long wooden poles and a bunch of plates. He starts with one, then another and another, each one spinning. Just when he gets them all going, he goes back to the first one and speeds it up before it falls, then the next and so on. But sooner or later, miss one step and they all start to fall.
Ever felt like that? Plate #1 = be like Christ. Plate #2 = be a good father. Plate #3 = Be a good husband. Plate #4 = Friend. Plate #5 = co-worker. One by one, we keep adding plates. Just when we think we have them all going, we might need to go back and put some more attention to one, then the others. Sooner or later, we have to stop adding plates, or they are all going to start to spin out of control a bit. Each one needs just the right amount of attention and time.
Ironically enough, as I was loading the dishwasher tonight (no lie), I was reminded of this old song by Amy Grant. I was reminded that all I ever have to be is what God wired me to be. If I add more plates, or don’t add enough, I am missing my mark. The song says “as you DAILY re-create me help me always keep in mind, that I only have to do what I can find”. Each day is a new opportunity to spin the plates we are given for that day. Each one will require our attention, each one needs our care. Nothing more, nothing less.
All we have to be, is what he made us to be. Even if it means “spinning plates”.
such a simple message, but so difficult to live out. with all of our insecurities, it is easy to forget we are made exactly how God wanted.
Great analogy. Hopefully, if we keep plate #1 spinning the others will take care of themselves.
Blessings,
David.
Wonderful thought! The trick (that is missed by a lot of us, including myself) is listening to God and not adding more plates than He wants us to have.
not sure how i ended up here, but i did. from mudpuppy maybe? anyway, this is one of my all time favorite songs. rang true for me growing up and now even more so as i struggle through motherhood. but i remind myself often of all i ever have to be.
thank you for being so faithful to Christ and your family. the world needs more Christian men to come forward and be bold in their faith.
John – Right on about the insecurities. The enemy can have a field day with those if we let him.
David – So true. Keeping number 1…number 1 is the key when all of other plates are falling down.
Happy Working Mom – Ugh, adding too many plates can be a specialty of mine. Especially in the area of work. Which then takes the attention away from all of the others. Discernment can feel like a plate sometimes too.
Kirsten – I’m not sure either, but I am glad you stopped by! Thank you for your kind words and comments. I’ve got a long, long way to go. I’m just crazy enough to share the journey with the world I guess 🙂 Thanks again for dropping in!
Aaron, I love your posts, even if I don’t take the time to comment on all that I read. You’ve got such great insight, I pray you have many opportunites to minister from the wisdom the Lord has given you with those the Lord places in your life!
Blessings!
Susan