Sort of Sorting

tr.v. sort·ed, sort·ing, sorts
1. To arrange according to class, kind, or size; classify.
2. To separate from others: sort out the wheat from the chaff.
3. To clarify by going over mentally: She tried to sort out her problems. 
sort of Informal Somewhat; rather

This old wooden drawer with its unique knob caught my eye on a "free" shelf at an estate sale yesterday.  Never mind that it had a bunch of screws, nails, and assorted small pieces of hardware in it!  "Would you like me to sort the stuff for you?" I asked my husband.
"Sure!" he said (almost too agreeably).  I spent at least an hour sorting.  The job STILL is not done.  I'm down to the very small screws and have lost enthusiasm for the task.

I need a little guidance about the odds and ends since I don't know which ones are valuable and which ones will serve no purpose to my handyman husband... 

This exercise reminds me of my desire to "sort" the way I use my time -- days, hours, minutes, seconds.  No sense cluttering them up with unnecessary activities... Focusing instead on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).   I don't want to run out of enthusiasm for this on-going task of sorting!

In the same way I appealed to my handyman husband for help in sorting out the odds and ends, I appeal to my Heavenly Father who inspired the Apostle Paul to write THESE words for my encouragement:

Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
   Wake up from your sleep,
   Climb out of your coffins;
   Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
   
Ephesians 5:15-16 (The Message)

Now to find a clever purpose for the quaint, empty drawer!

13 comments:

  1. I love comparisons of our daily lives to our walk with the Lord...very good!!!

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  2. Good word today, Rebecca. These are
    desperate times and we have to use our
    valuable hours wisely.
    Love the Lutzer quote.
    Let us know how you use the drawer.
    I'm sure you'll come up with something.

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  3. I also enjoy your comparisons Rebecca, so often you have a way of looking at things that I would never think of! I'm sure your husband is pleased to have someone like you around to help him! Happy sorting!:)

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  4. I agree with all the other commenter's about liking the way you use comparisons. I also am a sorter and organizer and rearranger.That is when I do some of my best problem solving.

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  5. Well first of all, Thank you Lord....your post is His answer to my prayer this morning while walking... He is such a personal God that He would give you a word and I would be able to glean from your wisdom
    So grateful this morning for this direction

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  6. Ladies, "Comparisons" (seeing spiritual truths in everyday, ordinary activities) is something I do w/o too much effort -- much like you, Dee, can doodle while you sit in the Dr's office...

    Janette, If and when God can use ANYthing I say or do to encourage someones else, I put my hand over my mouth in surprise and wonder!

    HE must increase and I must decrease!

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  7. Thanks for this good word today!!! On a practical note, I would have no idea what to do with all those odds and end..maybe you can find a fun way to display them? Have a lovely weekend. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  8. i feel like i need a little awakening. going through a
    sleep walking period, i'm afraid.

    thank you for the encouraging word.

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  9. Thanks! God had already spoken to me this morning about using my time wisely . . . "redeeming the time because the days are evil" . . . and now your words or "echo" words, I like to call them.

    I, too, enjoy your life lessons!

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  10. Heather, I will not personally be using the hardware odds and ends. But my husband will store them in his little "drawer-thingie"" and it may mean that he doesn't have to run to the hardware store for that certain nail or screw!

    The drawers--I've already cleaned them out, lined them with wall paper scraps and will use them to store some of MY things that I'm sorting out :)

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  11. I had a little laugh to myself while reading this Rebecca, for two reasons. The first being that I almost, almost pulled out my junk drawer today to clean it out but got sidetracked with something else. The second reason is that not to long ago, I did the very same thing for my husband. If I had not, it would have never gotten done. He did appreciate it though! That's me, making the most of every chance I get! Love Di ♥

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  12. Diana, If you get caught up there, you can come visit me and help me sort MY junk drawer. Well, to be honest, drawerS.

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  13. Rebecca...post a picture of the drawer with the lined paper inside when it's finished!!! I'd love to see what you did to pretty it up :) :) :) Love and hugs, Heather :)

    p.s. I don't have junk drawers...but plenty of junk storage boxes that need sorting out :) :)

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)