Cut Timber Like A Sidonian

 

...for you know that

there is no one among us

who knows how to

cut timber

    like the Sidonians.

       1 Kings 5. 6

(May we cultivate

the abilities and gifts

and opportunities

       God has given

   each one of us.

There are

     no small talents,

nothing that God

  cannot use in

  profound ways.

The greatest work is built

 on the shoulders and sweat

 of largely invisible people.

We all worship God

   with our work,

every layer fitting

   together with the rest,

every detail vital for the

  flourishing of the kingdom.

Cut timber like a Sidonian

  in whatever is before us.

We don't have to be the best

      or recognized as important

      to work with excellence.

God does not just see it.

    He is worshipped through it.

Do we see it as merely moving rocks,

     or building a temple to Him

     today?)

O LORD,

Empower us not only to

   grasp the horizon,

but the ground beneath our feet,

not to see the weeds

    to battle and be pulled,

but a beautiful landscape

         in the making.

Help us to

  cut timber like the Sidonians,

known not just for what we do,

    but that we are Yours

and honoring You in our work,

in whatever we do

           and how we do it

in effort and attitude.