Journeying to Grace

For an ice-breaker game during a recent meeting, attendees were asked to spend some time thinking of a ‘B’ (or mini) superpower we’d like to have. Not something spectacular like being able to fly, having incredible strength, or changing the weather like we’ve seen in superhero movies. But just a little special something that could help make life slightly better. One person said she’d like to be able to keep her water bottle full automatically. Another would like to make time stand still when taking a shower in the morning, so he wouldn’t be late for work. I mentioned that after driving away, I’d like to know I closed the garage door without having to go around the block to double check. Though the game was fun and the answers were creative, what I found especially interesting was how unique the responses were. No two were alike, and each response suited the individual.

As I considered this fun get-to-know-you game in terms of our life of faith, those ‘B’ powers to consider are the individual and unique gifts of spirit we’ve been given by the Lord – the special something within us that helps make life better when we share it. ‘Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.’ (1 Cor 12:7) How often do we spend some prayerful time reflecting on the individual gifts we have been given in spirit  – both the gifts we are aware of and the ones that might still be hidden within us? Some of us receive gifts that are easy to identify such as extraordinary talents in music, art, or sports. And many of us have gifts which are not so obvious yet are still as impactful and necessary to share. However we view ourselves and the unique gifts within us, the call is the same. To help build, love, and strengthen the Body of Christ. ‘And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.’ (Eph 4:11-12)

Like in this game, we might not always know what we have been called to do or share until someone asks. Our gifts may be a unique talent, or they may simply be the gifts of presence and nearness when strength, hope, and companionship are needed. Maybe we are in a time of in between, and maybe over time our gifts and when we use them change. With open hearts to the Lord’s grace and guidance, let us pray we will be ready to lift one another in faith with the something special of spirit that only we can offer. ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’ (1 Peter 4:10)