One plate, many meanings

 In divine details, Everyday MOMents

Munching on bananas at breakfast, my class of homeschool students and I discuss what educational topics we may want to dive into next. I read out loud D&C 88:78-80 to spur ideas:

“Teach  ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly … of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and kingdoms – that ye may be prepared in all things …”

“What about things under the earth?” I suggest. “We could learn about the earth’s plates, crust, core …”

“Plates?” Eli goofily grins and picks up his breakfast plate. “The earth has plates?”

Anna and Avery chime in with teasing eyes.

They sure keep me on my toes.

“Can you think of more ways to use ‘plates’?” I ask {with no predefined answer in mind}.

plate

“Don’t plates help our blood make scabs?” Anna asks.

“Way to remember! You’re thinking of platelets.”

“That dinosaur had plates on his back,” Eli adds, as his fingers extend into flat hands that resemble plates of a stegosaurus.

“You’re right! Wow! It’s one word, with many meanings,” and as the words linger, my mind lights up.

With writing Everyday MOMents and then trying to live its principles, that exactly what I’ve been trying to focus on – finding many meanings, deeper meanings, to my day-to-day happenings.

The conversation left me thinking of more definitions … plate, as a verb, means to dish up.
And an online dictionary added yet another definition: to coat with a thin film of gold, silver, nickel, etc.

By seeking Him in the details of my daily life, I’m dishing up His goodness. I’m also plating my perspective – and my life (as in coating with a valuable element).  I’m adding the precious materials that really make my spirit and sight shine. I know deeper meanings are within our mortal moments – whether they be mundane and monotonous or defining and critical – He is there. He is in the details of our daily doings, teaching us line upon line and precept upon precept. It’s up to us to see His lessons and love notes, and learn from them.

 

Can you think of other definitions for the word “plate” ??
Or do you have a special word with multiple meanings that guides you?

Recent Posts

Leave a Comment

Start typing and press Enter to search