The knife block on our kitchen counter does a great job keeping the many different types of cutlery we need, in a neat and organized fashion. One day we emptied the block in order to sharpen all our knives. Well, getting all those blades back into their proper slots was a bit of a challenge. There’s a long, bread knife, a butcher knife, a cheese knife, a carving knife, a filleting knife, steak knives, a menacing looking cleaver, and something called a rocking chopper!
Some have serrated edges, some have straight; some are pointed, some not so; there are wide blades, short blades; rounded tips, slanted tips; knives for peeling, carving, slicing, dicing … wow, we sure hope Norman Bates doesn’t read this blog! (Yes, today we’re being a couple of cut-ups! —groan!) Each of these kitchen tools serves a specific function. Each is highly useful. Unfortunately, each is also designed to perfectly fit into its very own designated slot. We spent several minutes trying to remember what went where, and ended up trying out various slots for various knives. We finally got everything back in place, but this got us to thinking (which, for us, is always a dangerous thing).
People are like knives. (Yes, at times, some of us can be very cutting, but that’s not our thought for today.) We are all different, and we all have something we’re particularly good at, something we were specially designed for and called to do in life. Because of this, each of us fits into the world in a unique way. We each have our own place in the grand scheme of things … our own — wait for it! — slot to fill.
Are you in your proper slot? Are you doing what you’re called to do? Are you in the right place at the right time? In your job, are doing what you were created to do? At school or college, are you really trying hard to see where you fit? And why? And how? Are you traveling the right road in order to find where you belong? Tough questions, we know; and sometimes we realize we’re really not where we should be. What do you think? Do you need to change your focus or your goals. Maybe you need to take some night courses to broaden your horizons, change your major, or develop that neglected talent. Is it too late to find your proper slot in life? Are you kidding? It’s never too late to realize and settle into the place where God wants you.
Of course, there’s always the chance you’ve found a slot that fits. Is it the perfect fit? The one uniquely designed and designated for you by God? Maybe, just maybe, you’ve even found several slots that sort of fit. However, only one is the perfect fit, and if you’re jumping from slot to slot, you’re undoubtedly keeping some other sharp person from finding his or her own unique and perfect niche in life. Are you trying to be the proverbial “Jack of all trades — but master of none”! Focus, friends. Find the right fit, and then be satisfied with your slot.
“The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].” (Psalm 37:23 Amplified Bible)