Back in July, I visited my friend, Sonja in Memphis. As part of my visit, we visited a friend of hers. Getting to the house was pretty amazing as we drove through curvy roads of beautiful canopy, lined with million dollar homes. Her friend’s home, although I’m uncertain if it was in the million range, was equally as beautiful. A gorgeous euro-styled chateau on 4 wooded acres.

As the owner took us for the home tour, I was awed by the elegance and class of the interior design and furnishings…

As we entered the kitchen, I couldn’t help notice the chandelier above the island cooking range. I noted to the owner how beautiful it is. He smiled and told us the story behind it. That his wife found this chandelier as trash on the side of the road! She picked it up, cleaned it, fixed any imperfections, and restored it back to new! Not that “dumpster diving” is common for her, but she “knew the value” of that chandelier when she first saw it on the side of the road. In fact, she would later tell us that that same chandelier, new, is worth about $500!

The verse that came to mind as I’m hearing this story is:

“…For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
–1 Samuel 16:7

The owner of this home had the foresight to see the value of this chandelier beforehand. She took it in, cleaned it up, and now it’s “true value” is on display for everyone to see as they enter their beautiful home.

I’m so glad that the LORD, MY OWNER, knows my “true value”…my heart! Even though I, at times, feel like life in general has me kicked curbside on the side of the road, I know the LORD will come by and pick me up, clean me up, help me work on my imperfections –my sinful nature that is– and encourage me to display my God-given gifts for His glory! God is amazing like that, isn’t He?!

Moreover, as you can see, in context to the whole kitchen, this chandelier fits perfect within the decor! As God picks you up, know that your value in your OWNER’S eyes is perfect in context to His plan for you!

“‘For 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.'”
–Jeremiah 29:11

Thanks for reading!