Names you may know:
- Alexander Graham Bell-telephone
- Thomas Edison- light bulb, phonograph, motion picture
- Wright Brothers-airplane
- Johannes Gutenberg- printing press
- Samuel Morse- telegraph
- Karl Benz- automobile
- Josephine Cochrane- dishwasher
- Isaac Newton-reflecting telescope
- Marie Curie- theory of radioactivity
Cleo McVicker. Say what? Say who? First, you may recognize the above names as inventors and their inventions. All of them have had some effect on us, even though we may not have a clue what the description is or how to use it (see last two). There are, of course, more. But who, pray tell, is that last one? Cleo McVicker. Here is his story:
In the early 1930s, Cleo McVicker came up with a product that could be used as wallpaper cleaner. Back then, most homes were heated by coal, and I don’t have to tell you what that was like. McVicker’s wallpaper cleaner never became popular, but decades later, a teacher used his product in her classes to create Christmas ornaments. From that was born a company-Rainbow Crafts-and the wallpaper cleaner was repurposed as a children’s toy. It was called “Play-Doh.” And now, as Paul Harvey used to say, “You know the rest of the story.” (Edited from story found in OurDailyBread devotional for October 30)
I think it is always interesting to read or hear stories like that. There is actually a site that has a list of accidental inventions: post-it-notes; x-ray; microwave ovens; coca-cola; pacemaker; superglue; potato chips; insulin; and a whole lot more.
In the case of Mcvicker’s invention, it was repurposed to become more popular and a child’s delight. God is in the repurposing business also. He takes our messy, broken lives and gives them meaning and purpose. The Bible is filled, as is history, with people whose lives were transformed by God and used for His purpose. D.L. Moody. Billy Sunday. Billy Graham. Blaise Pascal. Florence Nightingale. George Washington Carver. Samuel Morse. Many others. In the Bible, try Joseph on for size. Sold as a slave due to his brothers’ jealousy, accused of sexual harassment by Potiphar’s wife, forgotten in prison, elevated to 2nd in all of Egypt. A life repurposed by God.
Sin has written “failed” across all our foreheads. But God is in the transformation and repurposing business. “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.” So go out and make a difference!
Yes, we are all being shaped and molded to be the people God intended us to be, Bill. May we be malleable clay in the hands of the Potter.
Blessings!
Agreed Martha. It goes a whole lot better doing it that way.
Very interesting post, Bill. I especially love hearing the stories of how God has repurposed someone’s life. Lately we have had quite a few baptisms at church and have gotten to hear the testimonies of those being baptized. It is always so encouraging to hear how God is at work!
I love hearing those kinds of reports Pam. That means lives are being changed one at a time by the Gospel. Thanks for that good news!
I think that is the key Bill, recognizing who and whose we are, and then live like it. We have a heavenly Father that wants to love and and be loved by us.
When I finally realized the truth of what you are saying it changed everything. I no longer had to perform to get His acceptance. That makes all the difference.
We are all Gods children as soon as we accept Christ as Our Savior. However God has not molded us each into the same mold. He calls each of us for His own purposes and we each have our own job to do. When we get out of our own way, and truly realize that God has us in His hands and God himself will mold us, teach us and grow us for His kingdom purposes. We can fully trust God, we have nothing to compare ourselves to. When we surrender to Gods will for our lives for Gods glory, our own accomplishments will leave us fulfilled in ways that only God can do.
You are so right Gail. As soon as we stop comparing ourselves to others the better off we will be. God has made each of us unique and given each of us a unique gifting and purpose.