Window Painters (03/1.3/2024)

Yesterday, I went downtown for a haircut appointment. As I walked from my car to the salon, I passed a storefront where two young women were painting the windows. One was painting the design in white, and the other was going over the design in colors. I spoke to them as I passed by, “Looking good,” I said. Then when I returned after my appointment, they were still at work. Both were filling in the colors at this point. I stopped. “You are so young to be professional window painter,” I noted. They both laughed. “Oh, we’re not. We work here.” I asked, “So, the owner needed window art and you volunteered?” They looked at one another, laughed, and one piped up, “Sorta.”  I complimented them on their design, choice of colors, and collaboration.

And from that moment on yesterday my head was filled with questions. What could we accomplish if we were all willing to bring our gifts and graces to the needs of others? How could we change the world if all of us everywhere and every day sought ways to use all we are for the benefit of others and to give glory to the One who gave us our gifts?

And I began to think of the gifts I’ve been given. How am I using them? How might I use them? How about you? What are your gifts? Are you using them all? How might you use them in service to others and for the glory of our loving LORD who gave them to you?

I think of the two women I know who give time weekly to the local food pantry. They have recognized their time is a gift and are “tithing” by sharing some of it in service to others and for the glory of the LORD. I think of the young man whose voice is that of an angel who gives his time and talent to lead us a cappella at mass when the organist is unavailable. I think of the gentleman who volunteers to make soup for parish functions because he has the ingredients and the time even though he never gets to eat it. I think of the woman who lectors even though she gets so nervous, but no one would notice because the Spirit guides her. I think of the gentleman who serves as the traffic guard for Religious Education on Wednesday nights no matter the weather because he can. I think of the 7th grader who loves to serve and checks every mass to see if a server is needed because he’s willing and wants to. I think of the woman who finds ways to serve daily at the senior center or in her neighborhood.

And I wonder. What if the whole world was enthusiastic about sharing what they have with others in service to one another and for the glory of the LORD?

What if we all tried to find out today?

What if?

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.