We have a set of wind chimes on our back porch that we bought in the mountains a few years ago. It’s pretty large, with the pipes measuring as long as three feet. The sound is rich and full, not tinkly like the smaller ones. Because it is heavy, it doesn’t blow in really light wind. It takes a real breeze to get it going, but once it does, it fills the area with a calm, comforting melody.
Recently, a cold front blew through our region. This storm was large, had left significant damage to our west, and hadn’t lost much strength by the time it got to us. It moved through quickly and caught us off guard, without any time to prepare for it.
The storm resulted in a few plants down and a lot of water in the rain jar. The day after the storm, I realized that the wind chimes weren’t…chiming. They looked like they were leaning to one side. On closer inspection, my husband saw the reason for the silence—the hook that was holding them up had given way and they were not hanging free; they were trapped against the wall of the porch.
When he handed them off to me, I laid them on the cushion of one of the chairs. The chimes went from being a beautiful sounding musical instrument to nothing but a set of metal pipes and cords. Flat, metallic clanks were stifled by soft pillow cushions.
I stood and stared at them, thinking about how our lives are just like that. When we are supported by our Father, free and able to function, we have the ability to produce and flourish according to the gifts He has given us. But when we become disconnected from the Source, when that relationship is broken, we are no longer able to thrive, and we end up just like the chimes—nothing but an empty shell of our former self.
Unlike the chimes, my support, God the Father, will never sever His relationship with me (Hebrews 13:5). I may stray from Him, wandering aimlessly and not living according to His purpose, but when I draw near, He promises to draw near to me (James 4:8).
As I place my trust in God, He gives me the freedom and ability to accomplish the tasks He planned for me in advance (Ephesians 2:10). I may not be able to make beautiful music like my chimes, but I can serve Him with the gifting He gave me, and I can bring Him glory all of my days.
Lord, thank You for the ability to serve You with all of my heart, and thank You for always holding me up so that I can bring You glory and honor. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen.