According to the late, great Dr. Myles Munroe, “Purpose is the original intent in a creator’s mind for making a thing. Purpose defines why the thing exists and dictates its design, function, and potential.”
I agree. I would also argue that we sometimes fail to maximize what’s within our reach because we lack the vision to see never-before-explored possibilities.
Moses purified water by tossing in a branch. (Exodus 15:22-27)
Samson defeated 1,000 Philistine men with the jawbone of a donkey. (Judges 15:15-16)
Elisha smacked the Jordan River with his newly inherited mantle to part the water and cross over on dry land. (2 Kings 2:13-15)
A branch can do more than bear fruit.
A carcass can provide more than old bones.
A shawl can offer more than warmth.
Oh, and an ironing board is certainly useful for more than just ironing!
Yes, I absolutely eulogized my ironing board! It served me well, y’all! Also, this was in 2020; I had time on my hands. I’m running this Facebook post back because it came to mind a few days ago when I overcame a food craving in a way that was new to me.
Boundaries Over Bitterness by my sister-friend Darnella Parker is an introspective journaling experience designed to help identify our triggers, process our emotions, and implement healthy boundaries to prevent bitterness toward others from taking root.
But bitterness wasn’t my problem.
The battle was overcoming the urge to self-soothe with potato chips.
Instead of going to the vending machine at work or stopping by the gas station on my way home, I committed to working through the 4-stage process outlined in Boundaries Over Bitterness: Touchpoint, Trigger, Transformation, and Truth.
TOUCHPOINT
Working for a small company means wearing multiple hats. Human Resources takes up the bulk of my time, but the gaps get filled with Accounts Receivable. Let me CliffsNotes these details:
A customer placed two orders for the same amount. One shipped to the correct address; the other ended up at a random residential address.
Plot Twist: The customer issued payment for the received order. However, our Accounts Payable person applied the payment to the invoice for the order that was not received.
The two people responsible for untangling this madness assured the customer it would be resolved. It wasn’t.
The payment should’ve been rolled back and applied to the correct invoice. Then, the incorrect invoice should’ve been credited.
Because the corrections weren’t made, the customer’s valid and technically paid invoice showed up on my past-due report.
My collections call to the customer was pointless because the problem was on our side.
TRIGGER
Forgetfulness isn’t an adequate excuse because our ERP provides ample ways to automate reminders. Nevertheless, a few people rely on scattered stacks of paper and sticky notes to jog their memories. Their memories end up not jogging, walking, limping, or crawling, which leads to internal and external communication misses.
Being annoyed and angry led to craving the salty, crunchy comfort of potato chips.
TRANSFORMATION
Although I wanted chips, I needed to interrogate the craving.
Was I hungry?
Nope, not at all.
The sole purpose of tearing open a bag of Lay’s would be to calm my nerves. However, if the Creator intended for food to supply my comfort, He would’ve never sent the Comforter.
My true need and desire is to continue the work of journaling my way through cravings instead of yielding to them.
TRUTH
15 If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever. John 14:15-16
Food is not my comforter. Holy Spirit, You are. I repent for reaching for something that can never be what You are to me. Help me to renew my mind to reach for You as my always-available Comforter.
My beloved ironing board was purposed to help me live wrinkle-free, but it came in handy during my hair-hustle days and pulled me through back when counter space was limited.
Likewise, Darnella’s journal was meant to help individuals process their emotions while navigating relationship dynamics with others. However, it came in clutch to help me examine my relationship with food and will continue to do so.
Sometimes a thing can have built-in use beyond its original design.
LET’S REFLECT
11 For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. 12 Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 8:11-12, TLB
What underutilized resources is wisdom highlighting in this season?
What knowledge and understanding is the Holy Spirit imparting to help you maximize the tools available to you on your wellness journey?
Sincerely,
LaToya NaShae