The Greatest Gift

I have spent considerable time lately thinking about the state of things in the world. It is a kind of journey that began right here in this small town and continues outward. I try so hard not to worry about my own family’s situation; the bills that need paid and the monthly calls from banks and credit card companies wondering why their money is late. All I can say over the phone is “when I have the money, you’ll get yours.” But that does nothing to stop the late fees from accumulating and the debt from piling ever higher. Jobs are scarce and hopes are high that faith will get us through another tough time. It brings me to the brink of screaming sometimes but I cannot let it keep me from the greatest gift of all.

We hear a lot these days in church about giving of our time, talent and treasure in service to others who need ministered to. They may be homeless, hungry or home bound; hopeless, lost or simply in need of a hand to hold on to. For me, in spite of personal struggles, there is a profound need to be useful in a way that mere compensation just does not apply. It goes beyond the self absorbed and secular nature of modern day society. It calls from within to serve. When I can get beyond myself there is a freedom no desire can subdue or worry condemn; it is in knowing a difference has been made despite the cruel conditions of a harsh economic environment or pull of self preservation. And so I say it is not in serving the needs of structure or property, institutions or man made devices that I serve; it is God alone.

And so I pray: Lord, do not let our hearts be troubled. Whatever it is that keeps us from knowing, loving and serving you be plucked from our minds and replaced with the spirit of love for one another. Extinguish the fires of hatred in our enemies, heal the hurts of injustice done by governments or man made policies and let all those who are able serve the needs of their brother and sister. Bring us together by the light of truth that we are all your children; frail, flawed and in need of your presence to show the way home to you. Make the gift of service to one another outweigh any burden that hinders your love from shining through the darkness.

In the end, what will be the legacy of human kind? What great monuments to sacrifice through war and tragedy will be built by future generations? My hope is that the gifts we share today in our giving will far outshine the ill conceived plans of selfish men to oppress and harm the innocent. May the good that we do and the time that we have be a testament to the glory of our creator in heaven. Let the greatest gift of all, joyful service, be our banner as we march onward to victory over death. Amen.