I am convinced that Autocorrect has a mind of its own. Whether I’m working on the computer or sending messages with my cell phone, AC apparently enjoys twisting what I intended into the ridiculous. Once it told a friend that I was a Puffin in a bar. But that’s another story.

Recently I was overseeing repairs being made to my Mother’s house. Beverly texted to see if I would be coming home anytime soon. I tried to reply, “I’m planning on it.” AC seized the opportunity to send a different message: “I am Plankton.”

In what universe would that make sense? And why would Plankton ever be the substitute word? (There’s probably someone at Apple right now really enjoying this.) But then I got to thinking.

Things are not always what they seem.

Plankton are tiny plants and animals that can’t be seen without a microscope. They tend to live in oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes, just drifting along wherever the water takes them. They have no brain or heart, and appear to have no purpose, except to be eaten.

I wonder…at times are we any different? If our lives are placed under a microscope, do others find us doing more than just drifting along in the world’s currents? Can they see brains and hearts committed to loving their creator and encouraging each other?

Has your life ever felt like that? Just going with the flow. No plan or direction. Doing nothing but surviving, with no purpose except to be used by others. Just like some worthless plankton?

God brings meaning to our lives.

But here’s the thing. If plankton disappear, all life in the oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes will end, affecting about 70% of all people on this planet who rely on the fish to live. Plankton, it turns out, are important after all. They do have purpose and worth.

And so do we! God doesn’t create junk. He has a purpose for you and me. We are of great worth to Him. He loves us. And with Him by our side, nothing is ever too small or too large. Whatever He calls us to do…you can do it and so can I.

Feeling worthless? Remember this. If God gives meaning to the life of an unseen organism just floating along, imagine what He will do through you. Seek Him, and life will never be meaningless again.

Take care & be God’s,

 

Chuck

 

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to sharing God’s encouragement and teaching how to encourage one another. Also an author and speaker, Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org .

Interesting Notes on Plankton : Plankton are microscopic organisms that float freely with oceanic currents and in other bodies of water. They are made up of tiny plants ( phytoplankton ), tiny animals (zooplankton), and bacteria. The word plankton comes from the Greek word “planktos” which means “drifting.” About 70% of the human population relies on approximately 80 million tons of fish per year. Plankton also produce half of the world’s oxygen through photosynthesis and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, taking it with them down to the bottom of oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes when they die. (For more, read What If All Plankton Disappeared by Kevin Colacci, https://insh.world/science/what-if-all-plankton-disappeared/

Pictures: Banner: Plankton, image created by R.R. Hopcroft & Cornelia Jaspers, Journal of Plankton Research/Oxford Academic; (1) Autocorrect Hate You, Comic created by Matthew Inman. (2) God Has Not Forgotten You, from Pastor Andy Stanley on Linkedin.