Conversations in the quiver

What do you think your strengths might say about you? 

Before you wonder what on earth (or in heaven) I am talking about, today I learnt about the process of making an arrow. Firstly you have to choose the kind of wood that you will use. Then you need to cut that bough from the tree. Next you shape the basic form of the arrow by cutting off any protrusions, and trimming the rough bough to the length you require. Pull out a sanding block and start smoothing down the rough bits. Oil the wood. Sand it again. Put it down on the workbench while you select the right arrow head - pointed enough to penetrate the target, heavy enough to add weight to the point, and most of all, the right balance for the arrow you are making. Then it's binding the head to the shaft, notching the shaft for feathers which you have carefully selected and shaped for flight. 

When your arrow is ready, it's placed in the quiver, a holding space carefully chosen to store that arrow and keep it safe until the time for use. A quiver is strapped to the archer's body and kept close at all times, within reach, for the moment that an arrow is needed. 

Finally, at the appointed time, the arrow is carefully lifted from the quiver, fitted to the bow, the pressure of the string tensions the wood, and it soars into the air towards the mark. 

You know, God likens us to arrows. Not sure that I like the preparation process! It takes soooo long. And once we are formed, what does He do? Place us in His quiver. To wait and be still in the dark. Yes, the place He has fashioned to hold us, close to His heart, but suspiciously often seemingly dark and sometimes lonely. 

So what do you think those arrows might be saying? If I look at the strengths of my life, each strength can be likened to one of those arrows...

Strategic: "If I just peer out the top, I can see where we need to go. Look, that's what we need to aim for!"

Hey, one of my key strengths is being an activator: "C'mon arrows, it's time to go. I can see the target. When are we going to fly free and true? Hit the mark of the high calling! Let's get flying!"" 

And then there's the woo factor: "SO nice to meet another arrow in the quiver? How did you get here? Tell me about you? What are your hopes? How has the maker fashioned you?"

Belief: "I know that He who formed me has a plan for my flight. His aim is sure."

Communication: "We need to share the story of our making! Let's talk about what our target is and let everyone know."

Then there are some other arrows around me, also in the quiver. 

Listen to the learner: "But I don't want to leave this quiver. There's lots I am learning in this time away from the world! Please let me just stay here a big longer. Flight sounds nice, but I need to research it a bit more."

I know lots of developers:  "Wow, look at the potential you arrows in here have! How can I help you? I want you to be successful. Let's grow together!"

There's Mr Adaptability who keeps all the arrow in the quiver on an even keel: "Don't panic, it will all work out. We're not here forever. Settle into that corner, do your thing. Oh, you're flying next... that's great, we'll move up in here to make more space."

Hmm. Lots of conversations in the quiver. 

(Er hmm. Remind me Lord, that I am one of your arrows, not your bow! You are smoothing me down, oiling me, preparing me, weighting my life to have penetration, shaping my flight feathers and keeping me safe in your quiver, strapped to your heart, until the time you release me to fly.)

Do we have to walk, limping?

You stepped into time
Eternity made into a minute
Space tied to a breath
And then you flung open your arms
You wept, you walked, you died
You laughed, lived, loved and cried

So that I could run and not just crawl
So that I could walk without a limp
So that love could be made visible
In the invisible places of my heart

I will follow you anywhere

Because you are where
I was born, I live, I will die

Where you lead me
I will follow.