November 22 marked the 62nd anniversary of C.S. Lewis’ death. Many people around the world mourned the loss of this reknowned writer and literary scholar. But for his own part, he was ready to go. In his last days he made the following memorable statement: “I have done all I wanted to do, and I’m ready to go.” What a blessed state in which to live and die!
Reading this struck a chord with me, because I’ve been thinking along these lines for some time. My fall down our stairs last May created a lot of time for reflection and heart searching. It helped me realize more than ever how imporant it is to live this life well. Not just to live it, in the sense of existing or doing what’s necessary to get by. But to spend it well by investing in things of eternal value.
Doing our part
In Lewis’ book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, four children are evacuated from London during World War II. When they arrive at a large old country house, they are greeted by the grumpy housekeeper. And in the BBC television film, she instructs them to leave their suitcases in the hall. “The servants will take these,” she tells them. “That is their function. One must not deprive people of their function. Everyone has their part to play.”
We all have a role to play. I do, and so do you.
You have your story and your own special role. Out of your past, God is creating your unique voice and ministry. No one else can share Christ in quite the same way.
For me, blogging is part of that. Even as a child I wrote stories, eager to share my thoughts with others. Yet I always struggled with going public with my writing, especially blogging. Fear of this has always plagued me.
- Who am I to think I can write, when I’m not even a real writer? (Even though the true definitaion a writer is someone who writes.)
- Who would ever want to read my ramblings?
- What if I annoy people by sharing?
- What if people think I’m trying to show off or be a know-it-all?
The enemy of our souls works to convince us that we are unworthy, incapable, and will never live up to our ambitions. Because of these lies, we sometimes try to hide, and give up on the dreams God has placed in our hearts.
But God calls us to shine our light, not hide it. He calls us to put on our armor and fight against the lies of the enemy. To march forward and stand firm in our place. Prepared and ready to fulfill our role and function, and bless others in the process.
Struggling with our role
Do you struggle with your role, always feeling inadequate? Do you let others, or even the lies of the enemy, define you? Take heart in knowing that God has a purpose for every task he gives you. So place your talent on a lampstand, and let your light shine. Even if only one person can see it.
At the end of my life, I want to be able to repeat Lewis’ words, “I have done all I wanted to do, and I’m ready to go.” And better yet to say, “I have done all God wanted me to do.” May the Lord help us to be faithful so that in the end we will all hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We will have spent our lives well, choosing to thrive and prosper in all that we do, and encouraging others to do the same.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
📷 Image credits: lamp post
Signora Sheila 
10 responses to “We Each Have a Role to Play”
I had this conversation with the Lord this year… So many bloggers already saying what needs said, so what difference do I make? But what I heard Him answer is that no one says it in the way I do, and someone out there will connect with the way I say it. Even if it is only one person, it is time we’ll spent when we make a difference.
Where I am moving, I will not have internet in my home for awhile. I’m interested to learn what the new plan will be. ❤️
God bless you. 🙏
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I’ve often thought that, my friend. There’s already so much out there. But how true that no one else says it in the same way. And even if it only reaches one, that is enough! I didn’t know you were moving, but will be praying that the Lord will help everything go smoothly. Moves can be so stressful! Keep us updated!
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I agree with Pastor Pete above: your writing includes many wonderful insights! And I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you here in the blogosphere. I always look forward to seeing your name in my inbox! / Thank you also for your encouragement to writers, Sheila. Like you, I’ve wondered from time-to-time if blogging is the best use of my time. This quote from Tim Challies offered encouragement and fresh perspective during one of those times: “Be content to be a plodding blogger and trust that God is glorifying Himself and blessing His people through your faithfulness.” May those words be a wind-in-your-sails kind of statement as it was to me!
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How I have enjoyed getting to know you too, my friend! I find to many rich insights in your writing, and I would miss hearing from you. I love the quote from Tim Challies – so good!! And yes, wind in my sails!! Let’s just keep plodding!!
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I fully understand your fears concerning writing–those lies plague my mind like nasty whispers of ugliness. But I love how you look at what Lewis said at the end–and your slight change about doing all that God wants us to do. Recognition this side of heaven is smoke in the wind. Recognition from our Lord as in “well done, good and faithful servant” is true gold. Thanks, Sheila.
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Thanks my friend, it’s good to know I’m not alone in my fears. I love your description of earthly recognition: smoke in the wind. So true, I’d much rather work toward hearing God’s “well done.” If he’s pleased, that’s all that really matters!
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I am not alone, but even if I were, your writing matters to me. I enjoy and appreciate coming here to read what you write. Don’t ever stop until our LORD receives you HOME. ♥️
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No Kathie, you are not alone on this. I’m learning that other fellow bloggers struggle with these things too. I appreciate your writing to, my firend. So let’s both of us never stop until the Lord lets us know we should!
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Nothing wrong with Signora Sheila. I suspect that Italian, like Portuguese uses it as a term of respect. After I turned sixty, everyone started their conversations with me by saying, “O Senhor”. That respect is well earned and your writing as well as photography is both refreshingly honest and insightful. Thanks for all the great stories and whether you have Thanksgiving there or not, I wish you and your husband a blessed day.
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Happy thanksgiving to you and yours too, Pete! Yes, Signora is used as a term of respect, or in more formal settings. Now that I think of it, people really only referred to me that way as I got older. Guess it’s the gray hair! Thank you for your encouraging words. I do try to be “real” as well as encouraging in my writing. But most of the photos are done by my hubby. He has a great eye, and a great love for photography!
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