I am not a pack rat. Seriously.  When I clean things out, I hold no hostages. But there is one notable exception. I always save every piece of scrap lumber when I finish a project. It’s organized by size and length. I made a commitment not to build anything unless it could be constructed primarily, if not entirely, by scraps.

Earlier this week I decided to build a coffee table/footstool for the cave office. As I inventoried the scrap collection, I realized I was short on certain pieces. And then I noticed a complete 8’ 2×4 hidden at the very back of the collection. I nearly dismissed the possibility of using it because it was badly warped. I am not even sure why I had not returned it.  The lumber store delivered it as a part of a large lot of 2×4’s. And then I had a brainstorm! If I cut this 8’ piece in small enough pieces, I think I can make it work.  The badly warped piece of lumber immediately became the most useful resource in the scrap pile.

A New Year has arrived. Perhaps you are formulating resolutions. It could be that you are deeply discouraged. You may feel like the piece of warped lumber that has been relegated to the very back of the pile. You feel unseen.  Flawed. Useless.

The truth is you are intended for a purpose that no one else can fulfill. You see yourself as being warped and unusable. But that is a faulty perception. You are needed. You are valued. And…you are not a piece of lumber, so you are also beloved. You are cherished. Priceless.

View yourself in a new light this year. You will not remain at the “back of the pile” any longer.  Be blessed during this new year. You are by no means useless.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…

.Psalm 139:14