Have you ever wondered what your spiritual gift is? In this morning's reading from A Light Blazes in the Darkness, Quotidian Grace reminds us of the variety of gifts that we are promised at Chriatmas...toys, books, puppies...Not to suggest it is a bad thing, but for many of us that is what Christmas is about: giving and receiving. So, Quotidian puts a special spin on it for Advent. We believe that there are spiritual gifts given to us: teaching, preaching, interpretation, prophesy and healing are but a few. She illuminates others as well. Her father's hospitality is the gift she recalls most fondly in her reflection. It is good to recall at this time of year that we are to give of ourselves to one another. Actually, you could say that we are to give our selves. For many of us, this is what the frantic shopping really means. We are franticly searching for somes thing our selves to give.
Have we sat still long enough to know what that is anymore? This is what I have been doing this season. Those who have known me for a while know that the search for self is a frequent task in my life. I find great joy in that kind of stillness. I find great joy in those small revelations. Revelation is the right word here. Yes, I am a firm believer that we are to remove the log from our own eye before we try to remove the speck from another's, but in that increasing awareness of my own sin comes an increasing awareness of God's gift to me. God gives me myself. Is it possible that the very gift given to you this season is yourself?
Have you ever wondered what your spiritual gift is? Perhaps you know. This knowledge of self is precious. Perhaps again, this is the season where you can discover that gift within you that is from God. As you search for those special packages for others in your life, I hope you will take some time each day to recall what God has given you. God has given you your very self.
Posted by tripp at November 29, 2005 08:50 AM