Use It or Lose It (9/04/2023)

“Use it or lose it” is an expression I have known for years. It is also one that the older I get, the more I realize its validity. I know for a fact that I can no longer do the splits because I have spent too little time using those muscles. Yesterday I had an additional exercise in humility when I realized just how rusty my German had gotten.

Yesterday afternoon my husband, my daughters, and most of my grandchildren were able to gather at the home of my son-in-law’s parents for a Labor Day celebration. Steve and Shirley invited us to come out to the farm for a meal and some socializing. We were thrilled for the chance for family and visiting. Shirley and Steve went out of their way to cook a great meal for all of us to share with brats and potato salad and homemade pies.

After lunch, we walked out to “the little house” that Steve built from scratch behind the big house. As we approached it, one of their son’s asked me if I knew German. I hesitated. I studied German 25 years ago for my master’s degree in Biblical Hebrew & Greek, but I haven’t used it in years. I realized why he asked, above the threshold were the words “Gott segne dieses Kleine haus.” As I looked at these words, I struggled to translate it entirely. Then my guide helped me out, “God bless this little house.” I knew immediately that he was correct. I also realized immediately that not using my German meant I was losing my ability to do so.

“Use it or lose it.” Last evening as I reflected upon the day, giving thanks to the LORD for the goodnesses received, most especially time with family and friends, I recalled the incident with the German phrase. It caused me to ponder what other things in my life I was losing for lack of use. I immediately admitted that for lack of use, I had probably lost my fluency in the other 7 languages I had studied over the years (French, Latin, Greek, Syriac, Aramaic, Spanish, Hebrew). And then my mind moved to more intimate terrain. “Use it or lose it.” Does that apply to grace? Does that apply to time? Does that apply to love? I sat for the longest time, pondering how I am engaging and using these gifts. They are not guaranteed. As I closed my time on the porch in prayer, I begged the LORD for the opportunity to use well the gifts I receive daily.

“Use it or lose it.” This morning, I wrote it on a scrap of paper and stuck it in my pocket. I’m getting older; sometimes it helps to have reminders during the day. I prayed, too, this morning, that I would be more intentional about using the gifts I have been given, not wasting them. Most of all, I prayed that I would recognize the gifts within the moments especially the gift of love received.

As we journey in faith, hope and love, let us savor the gifts we receive daily. Let us seek to put them to good use, for the glory of our LORD and in service to our sisters and brothers.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.