Every child has that one physical toy that turns into their constant companion. It becomes the inseparable security blanket that accompanies them day and night, sharing the joy of happy times and the security of never being alone in the scary times. My loyal, loving friend was, and is, Cologne – a stuffed animal SKUNK!!!
This week as I, once more, packed my belongings for where God seems to be calling me to next hang my hat, I boxed Cologne for the journey. Cologne has been with me for at least 70 years. Through the good, the bad, the blessings and the stormy mountain climbs of my entire life, Cologne has been hugged by my laughter and jubilations and washed by my fears and tears. However, for the first time in my life, I have, just now, realized the lifelong message and meaning with which God has stuffed Cologne.
Seriously speaking, seventy some years ago, I did not choose Cologne but rather God chose Cologne just for me!!! Let’s be honest, what child would deliberately choose a skunk for their life long companion and confidant? What’s more, how probable would it be to even find a SKUNK on the shelf of a toy store, unless God so deemed it His “perfect gift” for one imperfect child?
Cologne, today, is well worn and even thread bare in places. Since I was a sassy lassie to, now, a doting Grammy, Cologne has been a stable and staple decorating the shelves of my life. For many a year, her presence has been a closet shelf, but one thing remains front and center. I cannot, and will not, get rid of her. However, only this packing up of my treasured belongings did I hear God whisper His explanation of why He infused the blessing of a skunk into the aroma of my life.
My life, like a skunk’s, has never been called to being cast as one of the crowd. On the contrary, in standing outside the circle of the “in group” I most often found my niche. My greatest sense of being needed and pursuing God’s purpose for me has never been found in the midst of the popular. The outreach that I’m called to, and which fulfills me, is to help the outcast of worldly popularity discover the uniqueness and power God has sewn into their hearts and souls.
I can’t help but laugh a little and smile a whole lot as I finally realize Cologne was never a random worldly toy but my heavenly chosen possession. She is not superficially wrapped in earthly glamour; but, without a doubt, she is stuffed with inner meaning and message. Praise God, a beauty queen doll never laid hold of my heart, but a skunk did capture my soul. For this blessing, I am most grateful…
Uplifted in a Broken Down World 