It was Pentecost. I got this vision while sitting in the church.

My life was good – I was a housewife, Mom, farmer’s wife and involved with my children’s school and community. But we as women somehow have a kind of underlying inferiority and the question which bugged me was: Lord, what is my worth?  What do I do that gives my life meaning? What makes me special? I’m at my husband’s service. I stand by him, help on the farm and do what he expects. I gave my full weight at the children’s school, drove around, assisted in athletics and hockey coaching, played taxi or whatever was necessary.  But what did I do for myself?

That night in church I asked the Lord: “What purpose do I have?” And I got the following vision:

I saw two plates – the one displayed in a cabinet – you know, that grand crockery set that is displayed only to be used on special occasions. And the other plate – that simple kitchen plate for everyday use. The one with all the scratches and chips which sometimes has lost its colour.

The Lord then asked me which one I would rather be.

The plate that is displayed to simply look beautiful and is only used once in a while or the plate that is used every day is always available when needed and gives a warm homely feeling. The plate that is always at hand and prepared. That plate which can tell so many stories by means of every scratch and every chip on it. The plate that is silently used in the kitchen when nobody sees or is around.

And I realised that I am that kitchen plate that is used without anybody knowing. And without thinking about it you are in the hands of the Lord and He is using you. It’s about the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. You don’t need to know where you have made a difference or to receive praise in order to know you are doing what the Lord expects of you or that it pleases Him.

Thank you for reminding me of this vision and thank you, Lord, that after almost 15 years, it is still strong in my mind and keeps me grounded.

Sunette

Romans 9:21
Isn’t it obvious that a potter has a perfect right to shape one lump of clay into a vase for holding flowers and another into a pot for cooking beans?