Obviously, God didn’t say that, but didn’t he? Follow me here…

Recycling is like ridiculously popular here in Costa Rica (maybe in your part of the world too), or “reusing” I should say. My kids come home daily asking me if we can make XYZ out of some old cans.

…Like watchu think this is…an episode of Hoarders? (side-eye duck face)

#trust…I throw out recycle any “old cans” as soon as the last drop of whatever it is hits my mouth. But also, I don’t drink anything in a can soooooo, there’s that. Well, except that one time after Hurricane Katrina when the National Guard gave us water in a can, but I digress…

Anyway, these kids are so dang resourceful. I’ll find “works of art” all over the backs of doors, computer cases, walls…

But sometimes I find these “works of art” around my house, they proudly begin to explain how they crafted this janky art piece using what minimal tools and supplies they had.

Catch this…

• They didn’t ask to use the garbage…they saw it & immediately recognized it as a tool
• They didn’t ask to stick it to my wall…they saw the glue or push pins or string or whatever else (eye roll) as an opportunity to hang their art like it was something beautiful
• They didn’t cry about not having any opportunities to make art (insert anything else here: serve, love, meet a need)…They just did it…they L I T E R A L L Y didn’t ask…just F R E A K I N G did it.

Now, if you come to my house, I can totes take you on a tour of my art gallery home because my hoarder sentimental son displays his “creations” made out of anything he can find…A N Y T H I N G he can find and then displays them on his shelf (in his room of course) for all to see.

Clearly, I’m not suggesting you rummage any recycle bins or anything, but if that’s your jam, then do you boo boo.

Often, while working with teams that come here to Costa Rica, many people will say “This is so amazing, I wish I could do this where I am from, but…”.

The reality is that YOU CAN and YOU SHOULD be doing it where you are from.

Let’s look at the Bible. In Exodus 4 we see Moses actin a hot mess, like us most of the time, crying about nobody will listen to me blah blah blah. Then God asks Moses “What is that in your hand?”…and God’s like let me do a demo right quick of what you gonna do with this stick right here, son and in verse 17 says “And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”

…Why do we even question? Why do we act lost or confused or presume that God forgot to give us a talent when He was passing those out?

In 1 Peter 4:10-11, it says:

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

So, I’ll ask again, what is you doin’?

There is no shortage of need in this world, and the poor and hurting will always be among us. We see that in John 12:8, Matt 26:11, but look at what it says here in Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV) 

“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.”

What is in your hand? Do you have time? a kind heart? a position in the community? finances? heart for intercession? a big car to haul people/things? open to fostering? adoption? work with kids in a school? a great listener? counselor?

There is nothing “special” about a person who moves to a foreign land to serve others. They are the same as you when you are serving others in your land. If you call yourself a believer, then you are called to use your gifts to serve others in need, in your land, according to what is in your hand. In fact, we should all serve where we are before we dare serve elsewhere.

Just as my kids never see anything in their hands as waste. They always see an opportunity to use whatever it is like something they can use, a tool. I want to encourage you to look at what gifts you have in your hands that maybe you have belittled by comparing them to another’s gifts. You are necessary and valuable. If you are unsure of what gifts you have, ask God to show you so that you can open your hands wide to your brothers and sisters in your land. 

~ THR