11-09-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 9, 2023
In her book, “Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved,” she wrote:

What would it mean for Christians to give up that little piece of the American Dream that says, "You are limitless"? Everything is not possible. The mighty kingdom of God is not yet here. What if 'rich' did not have to mean 'wealthy', and 'whole' did not have to mean 'healed'? What if being the people of "the gospel" meant that we are simply people with good news? God is here. We are loved. It is enough.

It makes me wonder how the myths and pithy sayings we toss around are in fact harmful to our health and success as human beings. Instead of trusting the Spirit and faithful friends to help us discern our gifts and how those gifts could honor God and help change the world for the better, do we become obsessed with the notion of becoming something we are not? Do we convince ourselves that all things are possible, when maybe not quite all things are. I am never going to play quarterback for any professional football team, even though I always wanted to and sometimes allowed my dreams to cloud reality. It’s not a bad thing to have some crazy dreams, but how many opportunities to do great things are missed because we didn’t seek the sweet spot between our gifts and the greatest need that could be touched by those gifts?

Good and Gracious God, I always want to stretch myself and become the best version of myself possible, but help me to be joyfully thrilled with the person that I am. Create within me the confidence to embrace my unique giftedness and put those gifts to work for the mission of Jesus. Amen.