Friday, March 2, 2012

Everyday Use

I recently had a conversation with a friend about some items she intends to be heirlooms for her children one day. I love the idea of passing mementos from generation to generation, but I also mentioned to her the thought of using the items for what they were meant for. She quickly made the connection to Alice Walker's short story and of course it got me to thinking. As I eat my lunch and type this post ( I started writing Friday at work) I'm asking myself, what truly is for everyday use? Sometimes we get so caught up looking for the next big thing to come our way that we miss the use of  the day. For example, when was the last time you intentionally used your smile to make someone else happy? When was the last time you rehearsed your lines a thousand time until you had them memorized just to be able to get up the nerve to make use of those three words?? (Yeah I just made a Patty and Stevie combination) The point being, love is for everyday use. It's not meant to be used only for a special occasion.

I'm convinced why we often fail in love is because we fail to learn not only what it is but how to use it. In turn love is misused and abused and we miss opportunities for using it everyday to enhance the lives of others. I know some folks relish in the out adage, my four and no more,but fortunately that perception is not a reality. It is intended that we sow into the world we live in. Understand harvest is not just for the sower. Harvest feeds a multitude of people. By your sowing you allowing other people to reap. Take me for instance. When I do publish my first book (and it will happen, believe me, it will) my writing will provide a harvest for at least five people--the agent who markets me to the editor who corrects me to the company who publishes me to the press operator who maneuvers the levers to make the book to the company who makes the paper that is provided for the company that makes the books! I could go on and on. But what if I never strike out and follow my love; where will these people be?? I guess somewhere waiting for me to put this love in everyday use!

Though I focus on love, it is not the only substance that should be used daily. Others make the list as well, but most times they are derivatives of love--kindness, patience, humility,  and the list goes on. As my great grandfather used to state, "a little sugar goes a long way." And it in fact it does. Try using kindness as a means to accomplish your daily task. So what the boss's sectary is a royal bia--smile anyway. Be nice to her anyway. Her issues don't have to control how you choose to practice your beautiful character. Yes, continue to deliberately make yourself useful to the world every single day. You must see and practice the change you want the world to be. Some times you are the only example someone may see.

I know our concern is what will be gained with our everyday use. And rightfully so it seems like a logical question. We all have had experiences when our usefulness has been misused and maltreated. Understand these potential situations come with the territory. You will have some who refuse to receive your use and it's okay. Don't fret, just accept your effort and know you tried--you planted a seed someone else will come along and water.  Know a law of the universe is to reap what you have sown.

It is my desire to be what is every needed of me to be. My life is less about me and more about the testament to the world of what could be--so here I am, use me.


2 comments:

  1. Use me Lord, I'll go. (This not an easy task, so I commend you for your willingness.) Actually, I appreciate your willingness.

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  2. Way to go, Dee!

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