The other day, my house was quiet. That is a rare event. Grandma had everyone at her house. There was no end to the things I should do at home, so I got busy. Because I had uninterrupted thoughts while doing tasks that required no concentration, I started thinking about my good old reliable cast iron skillet. Not too exciting, right?

I remembered when I got my skillet. I was replacing my non-stick pan because the protective coating was chipping off into our food. (GROSS!) I started researching about cast iron skillets and how to care for them. I learned that a good seasoned skillet can take years to create. I already had one that was so well seasoned, it worked as good as any non-stick pan. This new one was not the same yet, though.

I now have had that skillet for 10 years. It’s still hasn’t developed that amazing non-stick quality that my other one has, but it is so much better than it used to be. The cooked on food comes off much easier now and I continue to do what I can to help the seasoning of the pan.

I know this sounds funny, but I was then able to use this as an analogy for my own life! It’s amazing where our ideas can flow when we’re uninterrupted, isn’t it?

Here is what I learned:

1. I am a useful vessel for God’s kingdom. Life sustaining activities are happening when I allow myself to be used. Who doesn’t experience joy when they eat good ‘ol fashioned fried chicken?

Before there is a good seasoning on the skillet, the clean up is hard. Things stick to it and it’s hard to wash off even after it has been soaking for a while…

2. Before I develop a good “seasoning”, the enemy can stick a lot of junk on me and it can take a long time for me to be free from it.

3. I can become well seasoned and handle challenges better as I mature in my faith! I don’t have to allow the circumstances to get the better of me. I can keep focused and let the things that used to get me down just slide off of me!

I know this is a funny little analogy, but that is how my mind works. Be blessed today!

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 1:2-4 

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.