St Johns Anglican staff & a band of energetic parishioners are hard at work preparing and sorting the items so generously donated for the upcoming Mission Fete. (Saturday, 30 August, if you missed the notices).
I am involved in organizing the “Treasures/antiques” and “Art Gallery” stalls. If I had a Rand for the number of times I have been asked “What do you think this is worth?”- I would have a very full piggy bank!!
So how do we value the items? I will let you into our highly scientific methods 😊 – example – a bone china item. I look for a stamp – who manufactured it? Is it a limited edition? What is its condition – is it without blemish/cracks/chips? Is it still useful, or has its use become obsolete? We consult others – what would they buy it for? What do other people pay online? We consult with an expert who can shed light on the local consumer market.
The irony in this process is that the customers at the fete do not assign value in the same way. Over the years of working at the “Treasures & Antiques” table – I have witnessed many purchasing purely because an item appeals to them in some way. The appeal can be in that it is a thing of beauty to them, or a reminder of a time gone by, or a feeling. They may love the history it holds, the story it could tell or the stories that they are going to create in using the item. Treasured Espresso coffee cups have been repurposed to being “tea with my grandchildren” – given new life and purpose.
Am I the only one who sees the humour and futility in how much effort we put into something that is ultimately in the eye of the beholder? Art is much the same – what one person views as awful – another will view as beautiful!
Am I the only one who then thinks that I should be eternally grateful that God does not assign value to us in the same way? Yet…we often measure our own value in the same way as we do the items for the fete.
Perhaps this does not apply to everyone – but I certainly have found myself comparing myself to others – examining my brand (no, I am a Smith, I certainly don’t come from an influential, affluent family); I examine my condition – ooops – damaged! Lots of chips and bumps in my journey. I imagine others weighing my value – do people know what I do? Is what I do enough? Are my actions of value or am I fooling myself that they are? I am sure there are at least a few of you who can identify with that rabbit-hole pattern of thought.
My method of self-worth evaluation is almost as amusing as how we attempt to value fete items!
We are all God’s children, and we are all unique. We bear Gods stamp of manufacture, and we are most certainly valuable, useful and treasured.
Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us “We are fearfully & wonderfully made” – confirming God’s intentional design and love for us all.
Ephesians 2:10 “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”
1 Peter 2:9 “We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and God’s special possession”. We are highly valued.
Yes, there are times that we all feel defeated, even more so in today’s highly challenging times. The environment should not cause us to question our worth or our usefulness. God has a purpose for us all. God allows us to learn from our bumps and cracks – He allows this to add value to our worth. Artists choose to paint historic old walls rather than newly constructed ones – the artist sees the beauty in the aged wall. There is beauty in the imperfections.
I personally draw strength from knowing that God has commanded us all to “Be Strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”. Joshua 1:9.
No matter what value the world may assign us, or how others may try to make you feel of less value – we are highly valued by our Father God!!!
We are who God says we are. Listen for His voice.
We are of great worth, and we all have a place on Gods table of treasures!
Love & blessings in Christ, your friend in pastoral care,
Vanessa