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The gift of YOU


Our reading from the Narrative Lectionary for this week is from Acts 3:1-10.  Peter and John are heading to the Temple for afternoon prayer and they encounter a crippled beggar asking for money.  Peter informs him that he has no money, but what he does have he will give him.  He then tells him to "walk" and the man is healed. 

What stands out to me in this reading is that Peter does not stop with a simple denial of the request.  When a beggar asks for money on the street I will often say "I am sorry, I don't carry cash."  The conversation ends there and I walk away.  Peter admits that he does not have what the man is asking for, but then considers what he has that may be of use.  Have you ever stopped to consider what you might have to give? 

During the corona-virus isolation I have been floored by the kindness and creativity of people that have asked this question of themselves.  I have friends who are offering free Qigong, Yoga, and cooking classes.  Storytellers have taken to reading bedtime stories for kids.  PlayStation offered up some free games to help people during the isolation.  Slothicorn offered our church free merit badges to help keep our children engaged.  The possibilities are endless, and it is a beautiful testament to humanity and what we are capable of when we pause to ask "what do I have to give?". 

May you be filled with creativity this week.  May you be a fountain of love pouring out and bubbling over into the world.  May you be a light on a hill, and the salt of the earth.  May you be keenly aware of what wonderful gift you have to give to the world, and may you have the strength to share it.  Amen.
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