Joy in the Junk Yard

Recently, I went with an auto mechanic to a junk yard looking for a Volvo auto part. Entering his world was fascinating as I witnessed his joy. He saw in junk car parts potential for renovation and use. What I saw as junk he saw as having value.

If I could have accompanied Jesus to His carpentry shop, I might have witnessed His joy as He recognized potential and value in a raw piece of wood and produced a usable, probably beautiful, object. If I could have accompanied Jesus in His ministry, I might have witnessed His joy as He recognized potential and value in each person He encountered.

Jesus does the same today. He sees potential and value in a raw product. He takes the broken and gnarled like me, and by way of His redemptive carving, shapes and restores me. But He does not carve without permission.

Will you join me this week in surrendering to God and giving Him permission? He promises to complete what He has already started.

  ...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 NIV) 

Sharing the journey with you,