Now, don't mistake the following as a "pity piece." It isn't. But it is a slice of reality – and of hope -- to those who might just need to find a sliver of hope in my story.
I wasn’t an athlete, and for any boy getting selected for teams for pick-up basketball, it was excruciating.
”Please, don’t let me be last.”
A plain Norwegian, I didn’t exactly catch the girl’s eyes. There was always someone taller, darker, and better looking. Guys have image issues too.
I was an average student. I had to work for my grades, and they were never near the top of the class.
“Please, don’t call on me.”
Entering the work force, the fast track always passed me by. I wasn’t politically savvy or in tune with my employer enough to get the promotions or pay raises.
"I did good, right?"
And I’ve been turned aside by both family and friends, sometimes for reasons that are a mystery.
My story is no different than yours. But there’s another twist to this life – I have been chosen by Someone who really matters. I’m important to God.
Jesus taught
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?
and then again,
"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And not one of them is forgotten before God... Fear not, therefore. Ye are of more value than many sparrows."
Jesus told his disciples that for a few pennies, you could buy a couple of sparrows. For a few more pennies, you could double your purchase and the fifth one would be thrown in for free.
That’s me. That’s you. We’re the fifth sparrow, the one that really has little earthly value. We are the ones that are lost and forsaken, forgotten and ignored.
And it’s okay because “not one of them is forgotten before God.”
When people walk out of your life, seeking their own pleasure, God remembers the abandoned. When lifetime friends turn their backs on their pledges, God’s promise to you remains. When life passes you by, He sees you.
“You are of more value than many sparrows."
I matter. And so do you.
7 comments so far - add yours here:
Great observation.
I had to read that verse a few times to pick up the fifth sparrow for free part.
Thanks for the reminder.
Interesting about 'self-image' often focus on self.. whereas a Christian's self image is focus on and from our loving Father.
No worries about the Norwegian part..trust me..being Chinese ain't all that 'attractive' either :PP
Not an athlete? Check
Last to picked for any ahtletic activity? Check
Average looks? Check
Okay grades? Check
Fifth sparrow? Check.
Good post, David.
The fifth sparrow is a real powerful image. Most people tend to have this conversation and stop at the point of "well at least God thinks I'm important. At least God values me." But the truth is that there are THREE loves expressed in the most important commandment. Love the LORD with all your heart, mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself. We have to value ourselves as well.
http://wp.me/pRIWc-3s
Great encouraging post for us regular people.
Philip
So much truth in your words here, David. It's easy to feel left out, left behind, neglected. It's easy to think everyone else's grass is greener, that everyone else has better options and opportunities. The real challenge is to remember the truth, like you said, that God remembers all of us. And remember, "the last shall be first and the first last." He said it Himself, didn't He?
This is a really good post and a great perspective.
I can identify completely with what you're saying and I'd love to be able to say that this has instantly improved my outlook on things, but that wouldn't be completely true.
However, it is a very compelling email filled with truth that I am going to try to grasp fully!
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