Indispensable

Definition of dispensable - easy to discard, to set aside, or to do without

My translation - unimportant.

In the aftermath of the tornadoes that hit my community, I have seen the difference between what is dispensable and indispensable in a very tangible way.

Dispensable-IPods, computers, clothes, jewelry, cars, televisions, essentially many of the things we believe "we can not live without"

Indispensable-God's grace, precious lives, hugs from families and friends, community, love, compassion, the body of Christ

How quickly we can turn dispensable into indispensable, totally messing up how we view our lives and what is truly important. We help create a society where Biblical values are hard to see and identify. I desire to see clearly "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy." (Phillipians 4:7-8)

This storm also reminded me how small and important I can feel--how we all can feel very dispensable. What joy and comfort that we serve a God who finds us indispensable! We have worth and purpose because we have been "bought with a price" and find our identity in Christ.

As a mom, I want to pass on this view on self-worth, rather than the empty self-esteem that our world promotes. I am challenging myself and you to take inventory in your life? Where are you placing your treasure-the dispensable or the indispensable?

Kelly

More Thinking Outside the Box

I am contiually reminded of the importance of developing empathy in my children. I so desire for them to grow up to be compassionate and unselfish, seeking to serve others--with Christ as our ultimate example. He reached out to the poor and forgotten. In our society, we get so caught up in the beautiful and successful--those who have it "together."

One of the best ways to do this, I believe, is teaching my kids about other cultures and those who are less fortunate. When we learn about other people and pray for them, I believe it helps us be less focused on "self." I wrote a post called Thinking Outside the Box that talks about a couple of books we have used. Another book we have started using is Window to the World--excellent resource to teach about countries and encourage areas to pray for. It was the winner of the Gold Medallion in 2002 for Elementary Age children.

Another way to build empathy and awareness for other cultures and peoples is through mission trips. If you ever have a chance to go or take your family--do it! This could even be helping with a Habitat for Humanity house or traveling to help hurricane victims for the weekend. It is wonderful to go on trips oversees, but there are needs all around us.

Below are some pictures of a mission trip my husband took to Kenya last year. A picture truly is worth a thousand words! Hope it inspires you to "think outside your box."

Kelly