Tarnish… That dingy layer that dulls Silver, Gold, Brass and Copper.

Nobody in their right mind likes to do the tedious job of polishing the items that are forged of, or that are plated with these metals, but once they are cleaned, dried and buffed, the work is worth it.

I have a large, ornate, footed silver tray that was gifted to me 25 years ago. It’s plated with sterling silver and has been well used and loved.

I often wonder when I polish it before holiday gatherings, what stories might it tell if it was able to.

There are several scratches in the silver finish that tarnish quicker than other surfaces on this tray. There are worn spots on the ornamental trim where the nickel base shows through.

There are many tiny pit marks where either a careless use of a fork chipped away the original shine, or the elements ate away at the top layer.

This tray still has so much beauty and character to it, and is still useful. It has purpose and brings a traditional loveliness to a table prepared to honor and bless those gathering around it.

Imagine the stories of the hands that have touched the tray down through perhaps generations. The years where food was scarce and yet what was served, came with a touch of shiny beautifully presented joy.

Life is much like this 100 year old tray of mine. Our shine and “glow” can become dull when we aren’t nurtured and loved.

Unkindness from cold and cruel people jabs and pokes at our exteriors, penetrating into our hearts.

We age, we loose our fresh dewey radiance, and even though some say that a tarnished look is sometimes a nice “patina” on metal. I can testify that it’s not all that nice when your skin begins to face the wrinkles of time!

Friends. The LORD has a way of using our flaws, our “worn out” places and our stories of survival to bring a bright hope to those who live without Him in this toxic and dingy world.

He cleans us up, polishing away the decay and darkness that tries to creep in and cover our hearts. He buffs out the deep scars and leaves behind the evidence of healing with a hint of added character.

“Everyone wants gold, but the value of wisdom is far greater. Silver is sought after, but a heart of understanding produces a greater harvest,” Proverbs 16:16.

You and I… We are like a treasured silver platter, brought out and made shiny for all to feast upon the bread of life with in us. He is the One who makes all things new. He heals the broken things of life and gives them a purpose for His plan.

Do the work no one likes to do. Apply the polish and elbow grease to the dull and dusty treasure of humanity in crisis.

You are not too young, too old too tarnished to be useful and to bring purpose to your “tray of service.” You were created for a meaningful existence and an eternal lasting legacy.

“Since our lineage can be traced back to God, how could we even think that the divine image could be compared to something made of gold, silver, or stone, sculpted by man’s artwork and clever imagination?” Acts 17:29.

In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ^©

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed as long as complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You!

” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
Global Prayer Rooms

---

Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.

Back to Top