My Plate

 by Macy Johnson

“They made the plate, the sacred diadem,

out of pure gold and engraved on it,

like an inscription on a seal:

HOLY TO THE LORD.”

(Exodus 39:30 NIV)

 

I received an email asking if I would like to apply for an online adjunct accounting professor position. I smiled as I sent the offer to the trash folder, knowing it was a nudge from the Holy Spirit.

 

Putting something else on my plate is not advisable. My activity platter is full enough. The less I have on my list leaves space for the Spirit to work in new ways. It reminds me of my dinner plate - less is more.

 

Our church’s administrator tells of spinning plates above her head during hectic periods of the year. Although an amusing sight, it is often more real and more intense than imagined. Many plates require much attention.

 

Thankfully, God has given me only one activity plate. He also provides wisdom from the Holy Spirit on which items to place on that dish. I try to stop eating food when I have had just enough, and stop adding activities that require additional time and energy.

 

The Holy Spirit spoke to me in my heart one night while I was concocting ways to better control my life and those around me. He reminded me that I have no rights, no power, and no control. I should relax and let Him work in the situations so He would be glorified. It was like a cool shower on my heated heart and brought a smile to my sleepy face.

 

Everything on my plate is holy to the Lord. He created it and is the only One who should be allowed to fill it.

 

I will ask the Holy Spirit to manage my plate and lead me in how to glorify Him. I hope you will, too!