The Rector's Ramblings...July 16, 2009

Early this morning we began having tree work done in our back yard.  Some of the work consisted of pruning sections of very large trees that surround our home.  I stood and watched as a couple of the workmen, using spiked boots, climbed high into the canopy of leaves, tied themselves securely to the limbs, and began their intricate work.  I thought to myself, "those guys are gifted at what they do," and "I do not think that I could do what they do."

Now while some people may think what these workmen were doing is a skill and not a gift, their actions did cause me to think about spiritual gifts in the Church. I began to realize once again two important things for us as Christians to keep in mind about gifts.  First, all of us have different gifts.  Second, all of our gifts are important and need to be offered for the building up of the Church.  No matter how insignificant you might think a gift is, when it is offered it becomes a manifestation of Christ's love for all of creation.  Sometimes what we perceive as being small or minor can have large or major influence in bringing another into a relationship with Jesus.

Sit down this week and read some of Paul's wonderful passages concerning gifts found in First Corinthians 12 - 14.  I pray that each of us will begin to come to an understanding of the gifts that we have and how we can offer those gifts to the Glory of God and the building up of the Church of the Good Shepherd.