It all started a few days ago when I suggested to my husband that we choose a book we could read together. He chose John Ortberg's, "If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat".
In the book, Ortberg tells the story of his grandmother's china. After his grandmother's death, her china was discovered in the attic. It wasn't just your run-of-the-mill dinnerware, it was exquisite, irreplaceable hand painted china with inlaid mother of pearl, rimmed with gold. But no one could remember ever seeing it. Eventually some older family members were questioned and the story was uncovered.
When his grandmother was young, she had received the china as gifts, one piece at a time over a period of many years. Because the china was so valuable and she feared it may be broken if it were used, when she received the gifts, she wrapped them carefully in tissue, put them in a box and stored them in the attic for a special occasion. Apparently no occasion special enough ever came along so his grandmother went to her grave with the greatest gift of her life unopened and unused.
We have all received gifts (and I'm not just talking about china). We all have talents and abilities that were meant to be used for God's glory. Along with those gifts comes a choice... will we use them or in fear keep them hidden away.
So that's why I used the good china tonight. I guess it was my way of saying I want to be the kind of person who uses my gifts. I want to be the kind of person who is willing to take the risk and get out of the boat. I want to be the kind of person who sees failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
