You are Mine

Have you ever been introduced to Punchinello? 

If you haven’t, it’s about time you meet a little wooden Wemmick who never seems to get it quite right. You are Special, You are Mine, and Best of All are three little children’s books written by Max Lucado that have a powerful message for all ages. I bring these books up today because they are wonderful reminders of our Creator’s love and plan for us. Each book has its own unique message to share, but You are Mine speaks specifically to the issue of contentment. 

In this story, the silly little people of Wemmicksville become totally consumed with collecting boxes and balls to show how “important” they are. Punchinello, wanting to fit in, sells everything he has to accumulate boxes and balls. Not only does he have to purchase boxes and balls to be a “good Wemmick”, the boxes and balls had to be just the right kind—the newest, biggest, and brightest. Just when Punchinello thought that he had everything he needed, the Wemmicks started competing to see who could make their toys the tallest. Eventually, they try to race up a mountain to reach the highest point in the city, but fall off the path because they can’t see past all of their toys. [Surely you must be seeing the connection by now to real life and the human race.]

Punchinello wanders off the path and ends up at the home of his maker, Eli, the wood-carver. Although the boxes and balls had cost Punchinello all he had, ultimately, they cost him much more. Punchinello realized that he was trusting in toys to make him happy and not his creator. However, Eli’s response to Punchinello was this, "You're special - not for what you have but for who you are. You are mine. I love you. Don't forget that.”

What a powerful and convicting message from this simple children’s book! How many of us find ourselves trying to find importance and value in the things that we have?  Even as I write this I see the Sprint commercial playing with the motto, “More is better.” We are surrounded by this idea that happiness is directly related to the amount of things we collect. Yet, God’s word tells us otherwise. 

Luke 12:15 ESV 

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Hebrews 13:5 ESV

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

 

Are you spending your life trying to collect boxes and balls that in the end are robbing you of your happiness? What is the real cost of all of your efforts? The next time you find yourself stacking your toys so high you are wandering off the path, remember  "You're special - not for what you have but for who you are.” And hear your Creator say, “You are mine. I love you.”