As a published writer, there are mornings when I read Our Daily Bread and wonder if maybe—just maybe—I should submit one of my journal entries someday. But until then… I’ll keep practicing right here, with you all, through the PWGM blog. 😊 Thank you for reading, reflecting, and growing with me.
Yesterday, a friend and I were crafting greeting cards for convalescent homes and rehabilitation centers. As we glued the small crochet hearts on the cards — leftovers from a past ‘Crafting Conversations’ event that we hosted — I noticed some were imperfect. Some hearts were stretched, others lopsided.
As I kept sorting through them, I felt my excitement start to fade.
“Are you getting bored?” my friend asked.
I paused and realized, no—I wasn’t bored. I was discouraged. Several of the hearts just didn’t seem good enough to be used.
That moment made me stop and reflect: How often do our thoughts creep in and steal our joy or motivation? Imperfections, disappointments, and insecurity can distract us, discourage us, and even derail us from finishing what God has called us to do.
Sadly, I confess that I discarded some of the hearts. But afterward, I paused again—this time with a deeper thought: Maybe those hearts were a picture of us.
Many of us walk around with bruised, broken, or weary hearts. And yet, God doesn’t toss us aside. He lovingly uses us—even in our imperfection. He strengthens us, guides us, and reminds us that His power is made perfect in our weakness.
Once I laid down the discouragement and remembered the purpose behind those cards, the joy returned, and the crafting became a ministry again.
Next time; I won’t be so quick to toss what seems too flawed to use. Instead, I’ll remember that God doesn’t waste a thing — not even what looks like scraps to us. When we surrender what’s broken, God creates something beautiful.
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Prayer:
Lord, help me see the beauty in what seems imperfect. Remove discouragement from my heart and remind me of the purpose behind what You’ve called me to do. Thank You for using me, not because I’m perfect, but because You are. In Jesus Name – Amen.
Pausing With God 