The other day, when my family was together for Christmas, a little profound moment caught my attention.

As I love to do at family get togethers, I had made lattes for everyone. I created them according to each person’s request, complete with a pretty garnish, and it only seemed right that I would present them in something elegant and special.

When I handed my sister’s beverage to her in a beautiful stoneware mug, she didn’t recognize it and asked if it’s new.

I explained that yes, it had been a gift from a student for Christmas, and she said, “Wow, and I get to use it?”

Later, we were setting the table for supper, and I pulled out some elegant vintage bowls I thrifted recently. I thought they’d be perfect with our Christmas-y table decor, and while my mom and sisters agreed, they were concerned that nothing would happen to break my new dishes.

I casually replied, “I know that’s a risk with the children – but dishes are meant to be used.”

And the parallel struck me, crystal clear: dishes are meant to be used; life is meant to be lived.

I was made for a purpose.

My dishes wouldn’t break in their box where they face no risk, but they wouldn’t serve the use they were intended for.

My life stays pretty calm here in my comfort zone, but I might be missing the potential God created me to reach.

And those bowls… they were so pretty on our table. So was the matching tea pot I placed in the centerpiece. Nothing broke, but even if they had gotten chipped, I’m glad they were used.

It’s true that I might get stretched if I step out of my comfort zone… life might become more challenging than I knew it would, things could pop up unexpectedly… but I was not meant to stay hidden in storage.

And also? Life might become intensely more amazing than I knew it could when I made the decision to step out on faith. Those things that pop up unexpectedly could be beautiful.

No matter what the unknowns may be, I was created to live with a faith in God that overrides any fear I may be tempted to entertain.

My life was given to me as a gift, to be unwrapped, explored, and lived fully for God’s glory.

So was yours, my friend.

We were made for a divine purpose.