I invited our consistory members to prayerfully consider if they would be willing to contribute a letter to the church during the season of Lent. Today’s letters comes from our beloved deacon, Cathy Brand…
Dear Rose Park,
When Pastor Mark asked if any consistory members would like to contribute a weekly letter to the church, my first reaction was, “writing is not a gift of mine.” I always thought possessing a gift in something was equivalent to a talent or skill which can be more visible and evident in a contest or game for example; singing, public speaking, teaching, creative arts, athletics, and the list can go on.
Many times I ask myself, “what exactly is your gift?” and to be honest I’m not sure. Everyone has a gift of some sort, right? Then why do I feel inadequate sometimes? In those moments of inadequacy, I have to remind myself that a gift isn’t only a talent or skill to be used in a contest or game, but a gift can be something you offer in the ordinariness of everyday life. An act of kindness, thoughtful words, a listening ear, even a soft touch can be a tremendous gift of comfort to uplift someone during a difficult time.
As I considered my own gifts, I was reminded of the gift we have been given in Christ. The apostle Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
In a few weeks we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Jesus died on the cross to pay the debt we owe. He arose and conquered death, and in doing so He offers us the greatest gift: the forgiveness of our sins and an eternal home in heaven. This gift is so much more than singing or public speaking, it is the ultimate gift - a gift not necessarily deserved. It reminds me of a song:
Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had a left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
Feeling inadequate with our gifts pales in comparison to the gift we have been given in Christ.
Blessings,
Cathy