1/31/2026
"And Moses said to the children of Israel,
'See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son
of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and He has
filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding,
in knowledge and all manner of workmanship."
Exodus 35:30-31
Today's reading is about building the tabernacle from the plans the LORD had designed down to the minutest detail. He had given special designing skills and artistry to Bezalel, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab from the tribe of Dan, so they would be able to design and build the tabernacle to the exact precision and finest detail God had ordained. The women were given abilities to dye and make the threads to weave into cloth fabrics needed for the tabernacle and for the special linens and garments of the high priest, Aaron, and his sons. Each time I read the descriptions of the tabernacle and the clothes worn by Aaron and his sons, my finite mind cannot not imagine the enormity of it all. When Moses asked the people to bring gold and jewelry and other articles from their possessions to be used in making the utensils and ornaments found in the tabernacle and in the actual building of the tabernacle, they did not hesitate but were faithful to bring more than was needed. They did so with great joy and thanksgiving unto the Lord, which is the way God ordained that it should always be. They gave so freely, each day bringing more and more, until the workman had to tell Moses to make them stop. Imagine how that would be if today people gave with such generosity and love.
God's gifted the women, Bezalel, Oholiab, and others with special abilities to create such fine tapestries embroidered with thin threads of gold and with fine threads of blue, purple, and scarlet, and the capability of fashioning lamp stands and bowls and tables with engraving and other elaborate workmanship. In just reading about the sheets of tapestries for covering the tabernacle, I was unable to visualize how it may have looked or keep the lengths and widths separate. It just boggled my mind, and I'm a seamstress! It makes me wonder if prior to these new skills given if either Bezalel or Oholiab designed or created curtains or furniture or fashioned items covered in gold before?! Were they born with these gifts or anointed for this work alone?!
We are each given gifts and talents, and I believe that they are meant to be used, not just enjoyed now and then. I remember my older son becoming very upset with me for "squandering" my talent and not taking it to where it could go. I realize that my imagination and creative abilities have been a huge blessing to me, as they provided income to kept food on the table and clothes on my children's backs. When the store was failing and inventory was low, I made many gifts to sell in the stores. When I was starting over after my divorce crafting and sewing provided income, so I could pay my bills. I started an online business called "Memories by Linda," and I designed teddy bears from old clothing belonging to the person to be remembered. I was asked to do many different projects, and people seemed to be very happy. Eventually, my "real" job became too stressful, and my creative side shut down. I was on my own again, much older, and I didn't know what to do. It seems as if during those times that the Lord opened many doors for me to learn new skills and improve the old ones. Of course, with anything, I do have regrets, and because of accidents where I sustained blows to my head, I cannot always remember all the people I served. For the most part I remember faces, and I can eventually figure out in which filing cabinet they are located. I hope I kept all the old files, as it would be wonderful to relocate the old records and requests. Who knows, perhaps it would encourage me to start another business.
I still have the dream of opening a home for other "misfits" like myself where I can provide a home and meals plus train them to use their creative skills to gain confidence, new skills, and learn to create a viable livelihood for themselves. Sometimes all someone needs is a little encouragement and someone to believe in them. I learned so much from my mother and grandmother when I was growing up, plus God gave me a few unique abilities also. I still love learning new things, so perhaps I may be able to walk alongside someone again one day, so they can make a difference in their own lives. I think we should never stop dreaming, and I hope that I never do. I also trust in the scripture found in Luke 12:48: "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." If God blessed us with talents, wealth, knowledge, or time, then we need to use these gifts in helping others and even changing the world in some instances. What a wonderful way to live life with purpose.
