What We Have (08/11/2024)

She came early carrying two stems of dahlia blooms wrapped in wet paper towels tucked in a baggie. In her other hand was a beautiful crystal vase. She filled the vase with water, put the dahlias in the vase, and set the vase at the center of our gathering table. It warmed our space immediately. At the end of the meeting, she asked me if I’d want the flowers for myself. I was thrilled. Dahlias are one of my favorite flowers. I brought them home and set them on my kitchen table. They have served a dual purpose all these days: a reminder of the generosity of another; a reminder to bring what I have to life.

My life’s journey has been blessed by the presence of so many individuals who have used what they have been given remarkably for the LORD’s glory and in service to the LORD and others. While it is true that some have been gifted more greatly than others, that is not what has made them remarkable in my eye. What has set them apart isn’t so much the gifts they’ve been given as their willingness to use them fully day in and day out. They all have learned that their gifts given in love, though seemingly insufficient, are multiplied by the LORD into abundance. Our gifts, when shared in loving faith, are multiplied by our loving LORD.

I think of the miracles of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in the gospels. Jesus used them to remind us of this principle, this willingness to take what we have in faith, to offer it lovingly, turning it over to good use for the glory of the LORD in hope.

As I survey our world and all the need that exists within it, I am reminded of the words of a very wise person years ago who told me the problem has never been one of supply, it has always been one of sharing what we have. Each of us has something needed by others. It may be as simple as a beautiful dahlia in our garden that will brighten a gathering and go on to grace another’s home.

What have we been given by the LORD that was given to be shared? Our time? Our talents? Our treasure? All three?

This day as we continue our journeys in faith, let us open our minds and hearts to the possibilities that are present if we bring all that we have to the day and are willing to share it and ourselves for the love and glory of our LORD and for the benefit of others.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.