Trays R Us

I was at an event the other day where the rule was whoever had the tray could speak. As I looked at it I saw a metaphor for life.

Some trays are well cared for, become old, and highly valued. Others are bashed about and chipped through frequent, though not necessarily careless use. Trays are eventually thrown away and new ones produced every day somewhere in the world, in different materials, sizes, shape, colour and pattern. They are designed depending on size, to hold a few things, but sometimes carry many. They can become overloaded, with spillages leaving them dirty, in need of cleaning.  If left unclean, they become germ-ridden health hazards. An empty tray is ready, waiting for use, but a decision has to be made exactly how. A broken one, depending on the damage may be repaired and used again. An unused tray attracts dust, and if left in a cupboard can be forgotten.

Trays are manufactured for specific purposes but are sometimes utilised for different reasons depending on perceived need, which can be ill-judged. A stack of trays is much potential at various levels waiting to be used. So, as we look at our own lives we have opportunity to make decisions about our purpose and how we will be used. We have opportunity to live life to the best of our ability, so it at least does not lay empty, unused, misused, hidden or forgotten.