O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord.
Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Jeremiah 18:6 ESV
Do you remember Gumby?
Gumby is a legendary green clay animation figure, modeled by Art Clokey, who lived one great adventure after another with his best friend and sidekick, Pokey. Full episodes of The Gumby Show, a popular TV series from 1956-1968, are still available through Amazon and YouTube. By the way, do you remember The Howdy Doody Show? It was the leader in children’s programming in the 1950’s and it is where Gumby got his start. I remember the programs my brother and I watched together with great affection!
As you can imagine, Gumby toys are very flexible. I bought a Gumby keychain a few years ago and it was great fun posing him. Writing this blog post caused me to reminisce about how flexible I was as a young girl. I could do cartwheels and backbends easily and often was asked to show off for my friends.
I find it interesting that my youthful physical flexibility later translated to adaptability to new situations. I learned I can bend without breaking! As I grew in my faith, this truth was followed by an even deeper spiritual insight. God is the ultimate master potter working behind the scenes of my life and I am His clay. To be usable, I must remain flexible and moldable. I can say with confidence that I am a member of the “Gumby sisterhood” and I am living one great adventure after another for God! Have Thine own way, Lord!
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.*
*Words by Adelaide A. Pollard
Public Domain, 1907