LEAFBLOWER
“Having [spiritual] gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…if service, in our serving”(Romans 12:7 RSV).
“What can I do to help?” We often say that to a friend who is in need or suffering from grief or illness. But sometimes it is a lame response. We may see that there are needs in general but don’t know how to put real service into action.
My friend (we’ll call her Len) showed me recently how to put power behind those words, Leafblower Power.
We visited a shut-in friend (we’ll call her Jen) and while I was chatting and looking at Jen’s beloved photos of family, especially her brand new great-grandson, Len went out to her car. Moments later, we heard a light roar and looked out to see her, mighty leaf blower in hand, whooshing the pollen and leaves off Jen’s driveway and car.
I’ll never forget that vision of Len transforming the leafblower into a lantern of light in a place of need. So practical. So beautifully helpful.
You may respond to a need with a word of knowledge or a word of wisdom; perhaps you may have the gift of teaching or encouragement. (See Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 for extended lists of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.) Len responded with practical service, clearly her gift.
“God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit….Each person is given something to do that shows who God is…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 MSG).
PRAYER: Lord, show us what our special Holy Spirit presents are so that we can use them to show Your Presence in the lives of those we encounter. AMEN
Beautiful writings, and thoughts to consider. In my younger years as I mentored teenage girls for four years at my church the Lord showed me gifts of healing. It’s hard to put into words all these years later, but it was a JOY to experience.
One day I’ll gather more thoughts and words on this subject, and write.