When Life Resembles A Junk Drawer

Life is like...a pile of junk?

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.”~Thomas A. Edison

I have a junk drawer in my kitchen. Actually, I’m ashamed to say, I have more than one and in other rooms of the house. The one pictured on the left is one of my neater drawers! J You probably have one, as well, that collects odds and ends, extra straws, rubber bands, coupons, and little plastic pieces that fit on something, but who knows what? Stray crayons, pencils, and my personal favorite—ink pens that no longer write!

No doubt, Edison embraced junk, but lately, I’ve thought about how our lives can resemble junk drawers. And, unlike Edison, my creativity is hampered by junk. I’ve been feeling a nudge by the Holy Spirit to start cleaning out the junk. Turn the drawer upside down, let everything spill out, and then start over, assembling the proper order, perspective, and priorities to achieve my ministry and writing goals.

After all, it’s God’s ministry to do with what He wishes. I’m just the vessel He works through. But when I allow my schedule, my priorities, and society (yes, even Christian society), to interfere, it’s time to toss the drawer and see what needs to remain.

I’m in this process now. Reexamining my goals and the path I’ve chosen to achieve them is at the top of the list. I’m doing some intense soul searching and praying to reach tough decisions. Tough rarely looks attractive and will never be mistaken for ease. But it’s often necessary.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

This verse from Ephesians is one of my favorites because it reflects my earnest desire not to waste my God-ordained time and to understand what He wants me to do with this time.

I’d appreciate your prayers as I embark on the journey to empty the junk drawer and discern what goes back in and what gets tossed.

Now, it’s your turn. What one thing could you do to make life simpler or more functional, whether on an emotional, physical, or spiritual level? How do you plan to achieve this? If you’d like to share to encourage others, please do so. I’d love to hear from you!

You're the one who conquers giants

You're the one who calls out kings

You shut the mouths of lions

You tell the dead to breathe

You're the one who walks through fire

You take the orphan's hand

You are the one Messiah

You are I am

You are I am

(MercyMe)

I’ve added a new page at the top of my blog on mental illness. It contains a collection of articles I’ve written, as well as resource information. If you or a loved one is struggling with this issue, please take a moment to check it out.

Prayer Requests:

If you have a prayer need, please share it in the comments or e-mail me confidential requests. Our prayer list is located at the top of the blog along with info on Sgt. Jesse McCart, an American soldier injured by an IED in Afghanistan. Our soldiers continue to suffer and be killed from these type injuries in Afghanistan. Would you take a few moments to pray for these folks? Thanks!

God bless,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole