Wreath Making (11/19/2023)

It was my granddaughter’s idea. Let’s go together to make wreaths for our homes and in the process share time together, have great conversations, enjoy ourselves, and maybe even go for lunch. And so, all the females of the family as well as a couple of friends came together at Schumacher Farm Park in Waunakee yesterday to make wreaths. We had a ball, we were productive, each of us left with a wreath in various stages of development because each of us, unique as we are, brought our own approach to the task.

Because I write not only this blog but also the scripture reflection daily, I’d read ahead for today’s reading. It is the gospel of the parable of the talents. You know it. The master is going away and gives 3 individuals talents: to one he gave 5; to a second, he gave 2; to a third, he gave 1. When he returned, the first two had used their talents to make more and gave it back to the master. But the third man, not trusting in the master, buried his talent, and was only able to return that which had been given him without interest, without growth. As we made our wreaths yesterday, I had to smile. The women of our group were clearly cut from the same cloth as the first two talent receivers; what they were able to produce was amazing.

Each of us tackled the task differently, which accounts for why we were at varying degrees of completion when the activity ended. But we had all created enough on site that with supplies in our bag, we’d be able to complete them at home. And the themes of the wreaths were different. My granddaughter’s featured dried oranges (which she’d dried the night before) and cinnamon sticks. Mine was so simple with only a few red berries and a bow with a ribbon featuring red berries. Emily and Stephanie went more with a cone motif. My two daughters got their wreaths together and will beautify them at home with “personal” pieces. Such fun.

The experience taught me so much more about the parable of the talents.

First, I realized the value of invitation in using our gifts. I thought of so many who never use their gifts because no one ever invites them to use them, to give them in service to our faith community, to our world community. Sometimes, we need an invitation, a personal invitation. I will try to do that more: to recognize other’s gifts and ask them to use them in a specific way through invitation.

Second, I realized that we all have different approaches to unpacking our gifts and sharing them with others. I thought of how difficult it can be at times to share our gifts with others because of fear of judgment or because of differences in approaches. I promised to be more accepting of others’ differences as we journey together, providing an open door to their unique contributions.

Third, I recognized anew the value of accompaniment on the journey, of seeing others make their way, of encouragement along the way. I promised to be there for others as they sought to use their life and gifts.

Our LORD taught us so much through his parables and most especially through his example. As we continue on our way, let us commit to allowing both his teachings and example to penetrate our minds and hearts, and to allow the ultimate reason for it all, love, to be our guide, love of the LORD and love for one another. Let us open ourselves to the possibilities and encourage the shaping and making of lives that live Christ with joy.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.