Carrying Bag

1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

            I found it in a thrift shop, stuffed in a box filled with worn backpacks and old purses.  It looks like it might have at one time been a chair cushion, and someone put a strap and an embroidered flap on it.  The embroidery is of Tudor roses and was obviously once part of a larger tapestry.  The zipper opens into a cavity large enough for a double-sized skein, a half-finished shawl, and several crochet hooks.  It has a front zippered pocket below the Velcro patch large enough for a small pair of scissors and half a dozen Prayer Shawl Ministry brochures.  It cost about three dollars.

              I carry it with me at all times.  It is a wonderful conversation piece.  It carries the tools I need, and I can hand out brochures for those who show interest.

            Women in my Prayer Shawl Ministry also have found ways to carry the things they need for this ministry.  One uses a plastic grocery bag.  Another carries little plastic boxes for her tools.  Earth-friendly shopping bags are also popular.  It doesn't matter what the carrying bag looks like, its worth is inside.

            I'm short, plump, and middle-aged, with an honest face and an easy laugh.  Depending on my purpose for the day, I may wear a suit with heels and hose or jeans, T, and sandals.  God gave me the brains of a genius and the body of an old maid school marm.  It doesn't matter what I look like on the outside.  What matters is what I hold inside.  I have the materials to work and share within me at all times: scriptures, personal experience, faith, songs, joy, hope, and love of Jesus.

Lord, don’t let me come up wanting in the ways that would help others find You.  Fill me with your love.  Keep me learning your word.  Sing songs within my heart that I can share with others.  If I get a little thread-bare along the way, that’s OK.  Let me always treasure the things inside my heart and mind and soul.  Allow me to see that in others, too.  Amen.