When I was sixteen, I had a summer job working at Houston’s, the only department store in my Scottish hometown of Ayr. I was assigned the haberdashery—and I had no idea what that even was. My new boss told me that we specialized in “small articles for sewing, such as buttons, ribbons, zips, and other notions,” and I didn’t dare ask what “notions” were!
My first task was sorting and rewinding ribbon spools. Then I reorganized the behind-the-counter drawers. All went well until I encountered it—and suddenly I was beyond confused. Why would that be here and not in the hardware department?
When I showed my boss the pristine drawers, she seemed suitably impressed. “But that thingy in the bottom drawer—should I leave it there or take it somewhere else?” I asked.
“Just leave it there,” she said. “We had quite a rush on those with young girls this summer!”
“Girls bought those?” I said. “I don’t think I’ll ever be buying one.”
“Every girl says that until she meets the right one,” my boss said with a smile.
“Why would I ever need a plunger with a lacy handle?” Yes, I asked that question out loud—and I kept talking. “The first time you use it, you’d ruin the lace.”
I discovered that day—much to the delight of the entire staff of eyewitnesses to my ignorance—that that strange object was actually a form for a bride’s bouquet. They’d put flowers on it and carry it by the decorated handle. Who knew!
Not knowing the purpose of a lacy plunger is hardly as critical as not knowing our purpose on this planet. You and I are not randomly placed in just any home. You and I are chosen daughters of the Most High God, and each of us has a divine plan and purpose to fulfill. At times we lose that big-picture perspective. After all, we’re busy with our families and our other tasks, but our busyness does not and cannot alter our sovereign God’s plan for our lives. If you doubt that statement, read this:
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:15–16)
God has a unique purpose for you and you alone. Look to Him to guide you. Stay focused on Him and, as a result, mindful of that purpose. And remember that while you and I tend to look at externals and compare ourselves to others, God looks at the heart, and He also speaks to our hearts. So, if you’re not sure, ask God to show you why He made you. Ask Him to reveal to you His specific purpose for you!
Who knows whether you have come to this particular place for such a time as this?
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 ESV
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 ESV
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
Psalm 57:2 ESV
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11–13 NIV
Five Minutes in the Word 