"It Just Takes One Brady!"

Recently, Brady assembled a bedroom dresser for his sister's clothing. It was purchased at the big box international furniture store (hint: the one with the Swedish meatballs!) and came in two boxes to Matt's front door. Of course, it required assembly. Matt put the boxes aside for the week knowing that his number one son would be the "go-to-guy" for the project. Brady is a high school freshman and has had the patience and know-how for several years now to put things together following the directions and using only the minimal tools.

Not everyone has the tenacity (and did I mention, the patience?) to accomplish such tasks, but Brady, our "number one" and oldest Keppler grandson does! I can't remember when we determined that he had this gift, but since it became evident, we have depended on him to assist in various projects and now, to take the lead in fixing and assembling several things around the house. He has been a great help to me with both inside and outside projects. I find him to be so easy going that he is a delight to have at my right hand. And so does his dad!

I was amused at Matt's assessment of Brady's abilities during this recent dresser project. After sending me a couple of pictures, Matt commented, "Although the directions suggest that two people are required for this assembly, it only takes one Brady!" When Matt shared this appraisal with Brady, this normally self-effacing kid would only smirk with delight! It was as if he was saying to his dad, okay, now move along and let me do my work!

God has gifted the body of Christ with varied spiritual gifts that are His choosing and for His purposes. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10). I have named this blog site for this Sovereign work - Serve by Design. Each of us are uniquely different by our personalities, interests, and talents, and especially spiritual giftedness. The easiest way to live our lives is to identify our strengths and Divine Design. Then, live and serve out of the ways God has "assembled" us!

Too often, we envy the abilities of others and try to emulate them only to find out that we are not "wired that way!" It is better and more natural to be who we are in Christ and trust that God will develop us each day as we walk with Him. His shaping and re-shaping by His grace will enable us to become the instruments He can use in His work in this world! Celebrate that you are the one and only you!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com

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