Maybe One Man's Trash is... Useful?

My theology Professor in college would always use the adjective 'useful.'

It stuck out to me at first, it seemed like an odd choice and I sort of missed how great it was at first. She used this word all the time, mostly in terms of theological ideas, propositions, etc. (after all it was a theology class). But I think it has endless applications.

In the last few years since those classes, I have found myself using this word more often, but about many things outside of theology.
Dictionary.com gives says:

–adjective
1. being of use or service; serving some purpose; advantageous, helpful, or of good effect: a useful member of society.
2. of practical use, as for doing work; producing material results; supplying common needs: the useful arts; useful work.

Some thoughts on this descriptor:



Useful is not a finite statement of right or wrong

Useful is mobile, it takes us somewhere beyond 'here'

Useful is helpful

Useful varies by person and context

Useful is positive

Useful is progressive

Useful is to creatively find purpose and meaning

Useful is practical not merely hypothetical

Useful is not the end, but part of the journey

Useful helps us consider new ideas

Useful is not condemning

Useful helps us learn



Useful. Try it.