Every activity of our life must have a meaning. Sometimes, our daily life becomes a meaningless routine, and we lose opportunities to share with people around us our talents, the precious gifts that God has given each of us. According Mrs. Cowman the author of Streams in the Dessert, a Christian is someone who allows Jesus to be part in all his/ her daily activities even in their hobbies.
In 1904, Jack Miner founded a birds refugee in Kingsville, Ontario. He fed and took care of these animals, particularly geese. He placed a small metal band with a number on the legs of each goose . When one of his birds were caught, the person who found the small band sent it to Miner, because his address was written on it. This was how Miner collected information about the geese. This was his favorite hobby.
One morning, in 1914 he had a brilliant idea: stamp biblical messages on the small bands. “I feel the guidance of God, and I realized that my hobby was fulfilled,” he said.
Miner saw the results of his work. A hunter that caught a goose in the south, found the small band with Miner’s address and a passage taken out of Philippians 4-13 that said “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”
Time passed by and the hunters who trapped the Miner’s birds wrote him how their lives were transformed by the messages on the small bands. A missionary, who worked in the Hudson bay, left that place for the first time after twenty years in order to talk to Jack Miner about the influence of the small bands on the Aboriginals’ lives. Jack Miner commented that his refugee had not become what it was, or would have gained worldwide recognition, if He had not associated his hobby with God.
Nothing is insignificant to God. He wants us to share with Him our hobbies, our dreams, our daily activities. We will see amazing results when we make God part of our life.
Loving God, help me to see You in the activities I am going to perform. Direct me towards what You want me to do and what to leave undo. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
I think that this is true in a way. Most of our hobbies are unique and no one can pinpoint exactly where they came from, same as dreams. This is a great post because in a sense, it can be about everyone, no matter what faith.
ReplyDeleteI found this post really interesting. The idea was not something I would have thought of, but I like how you pointed out that one person's hobby touched so many other people's lives.
ReplyDeleteHellen, I have to admit that I really enjoyed your blog. I personally am not religious but I admire how you are and you incorporate this into your life. I feel as though like Megan said, our hobbies are unique and they make up who we are. I am thankful for my hobbies and whoever has helped me find them.
ReplyDeleteYou are very passionate and it comes through in your writing. I found your blog every interesting and it reminded me that it is always good to look at life thorough someone else perspective.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great blog. I have heard many Christian singers say that they feel that they are sharing God's will through their voice and want his light to come through them. I definitely can see the correlation between sharing your hobbies, talents and abilities and sharing God's will. I can't wait to read your next post.
ReplyDeleteThis is one subject that I have a hard time talking about or even writing about because I have very different views when it comes to organized religion. If this type of activity makes you happy, and gives you clarity in your life that is truly wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nate. I believe that if something makes you happy, and it doesn't hurt anybody, keep doing it!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post Hellen! Who knew someone could change people's lives by strapping Bible verses onto birds? We all should make sure that our lives have goals and meaning and hopefully we all can change someone elses life for the better.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful that you have something you are so passionate about to share with everyone.
ReplyDelete