For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has -- not according to what one does not have.
--2 Corinthians 8:12
The story, I believe, comes from the middle ages. A man had recently been initiated into a Roman Catholic monastery. As the days progressed, he got to know his fellow monks and was impressed with the specific and unique talents they had. He, however, felt as though he had little to offer.
One night he went into the chapel. He brought with him three juggling balls. Seemingly all alone and under the cover of darkness, he approached the altar of the Lord and began juggling. Unbeknownst to him, his ecclesiastical superior was watching, and the juggler was shocked that he was found out. Looking to his superior, he said: "This is all I have to offer. I can juggle, and I'll do it for the Lord."
This captures the gist of what the apostle wrote about in today's text. There is an eagerness to use the gifts one has. To insist that we have no gifts to glorify the Lord is to be in denial. Through the years, I've learned that when people who grow older, they sometimes feel as though they have little to offer. When the age progresses into assisted living or a nursing home, the feelings intensify.
But wait. They have much to offer. Their gift to the Lord is the opportunity to other that they provide. When we visit them or offer care, we do that as unto the Lord.
Gracious Holy Spirit, inspire a yet deeper eagerness to serve with the gifts You've given.
PD
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