Is it just me, or do others really enjoy having a new notebook or diary (if you still use a paper one)? There’s something attractive about having a notebook with crisp, pristine pages. I love it. I anticipate what I will use it for. I make myself promises that I won’t scribble or cross things out. I will only ever use nice pens to write in the book, and I will always use my best writing.
Recently for my birthday some kind friends of mine bought me this notebook. It was made in Italy and it’s got a lovely leather cover with that leather strap to keep it closed. It’s got my initials embossed on the front. The paper is lovely quality. I love it.
The only problem is that I haven’t used it yet. The book is too nice just to be used for taking phone messages or reminders. I want it to be used for something important and special. I want it to contain things that I will want to come back to and look over again in the future. I don’t want to spoil it with scruffy, rushed notes, or with poor quality handwriting, or with scratchy pens. So the book is still in pristine condition.
But it’s not being used: it’s not able to fulfil its purpose. It’s being denied the opportunity to do all that it was created to be and do because I am afraid to spoil it.
I have an idea of what to do with the book. I have resolved to use it.
What about you?
Nick
The EBA Mission strategy is designed to help all of us to consider the Places where we are and the Opportunities that we have in those places for mission. We want to help provide Inspiration, remind us all that we Need God and to offer Training and equipping to help us to be honest about our faith.
It has been really encouraging to hear about the way that churches who have used these mission parables have been blessed, encouraged and challenged. Please do consider sharing this parable and questions in a service or perhaps emailing it to others in your church or giving it to home group leaders.
