Seasoned for Purpose

A parable of quiet strength and divine calling

One day, a young girl sat quietly in a forest, watching the wildlife move gently through the trees. The air was still and the light soft - a kind of silence that invites wonder.

As she observed, she noticed a man in white gathering sticks and pieces of wood—preparing to build a fire.

Curious, she approached.

“Excuse me,” she asked respectfully, “may I ask you something?”

The figure smiled kindly and nodded, continuing to arrange the wood.

“Why are you collecting different kinds of sticks to build a fire?”

“This serves as a metaphor for what the future may hold,” the figure replied.

“Each piece of wood symbolizes a different type of person.”

The girl’s eyes widened. “If these represent people… am I included among them?”

The figure in white smiled again and gently held up a particularly old, ugly, soft piece of wood.

“This represents you.”

Her heart sank. She had hoped to be symbolized by something strong and beautiful—not something worn and fragile.

“Why do you choose that one?” she asked, disappointment creeping into her voice.

With calm assurance, the figure explained:

“My child, none of the other pieces will ignite unless this one is burned first.

I have chosen these woods specifically to create a campfire.

Each type has its own function and season to burn, but together they serve a unified purpose. It is this aged, soft, and seasoned wood that initiates the spark and enables the others to catch fire—achieving the intended goal: a campfire.”

As the girl listened, she understand a deeper truth - one that speaks to all of us.

Among all the selected woods, it was her quiet strength that would kindle the flame.

🔍 Reflection

• God chose you—no matter what you are. You have a unique purpose to fulfill in His kingdom.

• Your role is best understood through God’s perspective, not your own. What feels weak may be the very thing that ignites others.

• Do not compare yourself to others. You were born to fulfill God’s purpose in His time, His will, and His way.

• See yourself through the eyes of God—not through anyone else’s. He sees the spark in you.

🙏 Prayer: The Spark You See in Me

Lord, when I feel worn, overlooked,

or too soft for the task ahead,

remind me that You see purpose

where I see fragility.

You choose the seasoned wood—the quiet heart—

to kindle flames that warm and guide others.

Teach me not to compare, but to trust that

You’ve placed me exactly where I’m meant to be.

Let me burn with grace, not striving, and ignite hope in those around me.

May I rest in Your wisdom, knowing that my role—however humble—

is part of Your greater fire.

Thank You for seeing the spark in me.

I offer it back to You. In Jesus' name, I pray.

Amen.