What Difference Will It Make? (10/27/2023)

Years ago, while serving as a youth minister and faith formation director, I noticed a teen with so much potential it was almost tangible. But while she showed up for events, she usually kept to herself, and she never spoke up or joined in activities. One day, as our gathering was breaking up, I asked her if she’d stay for a couple of minutes because I needed her help. After everyone else left, we stood by the front door so she could watch for her parents, and we talked. I asked her why she didn’t join in. She responded, “What difference will it make?”

I leveled with her. “I don’t know what difference it will make, but I do know it will make a difference. But since I haven’t seen you use the specific gifts given you, I can’t tell you how spending them will impact the situation or outcome.” We spoke about her reluctance spawned by fear of rejection and at times even disinterest. Then I asked her, “Do you believe in God?” She said she did. Then I asked, “Do you believe that the LORD gives to each of us specific gifts?” She said she did. Then I asked, “If the gifts you were given from the LORD were for this specific time and this specific place and you didn’t use them, isn’t it like a puzzle with missing pieces?” She just looked at me for a few moments, nodded slightly, and smiled.

Her mom’s headlights appeared. I told her good night, and she left.

The next time we met as a youth group, she took her place at the perimeter of the group, as usual. But as we started to discuss ideas for youth events, she raised her hand and spoke. The whole room turned to listen. After that brainstorming, I suggested we break for snacks for 15 minutes to refuel. And I smiled as I noticed a clump of youth gathered, talking rabidly, and at the center stood that brave young woman. Two years later she served as the president of the group.

We all have gifts that were given to us not only to make our way but to add to the way of others. Whether we are gifted to be leaders of followers, writers or speakers, tinkerers or inventors, spiritual guides or spiritual companions, the gifts were given to be used. It saddens me so when I see a faith community with 200 families and only 10 doing anything beyond filling a pew. I imagine what it could be if all the gifts were unwrapped and engaged.

What difference will it make? Here’s what I have found. First, it amplifies my joy knowing that I have discerned my gifts and my gratitude for those specific gifts increases. Second, it adds to the health and well-being of the community in which I live and serve. Third, it helps me to grasp what Jesus tried to show us – faith is active, never passive.

What difference will it make? As I told the young woman years ago, I don’t know because I haven’t seen what the LORD has in store for us, but I would love to find out.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.