Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but the same God that activates all of them in everyone.
I Corinthians 12:4-6
Try as I might, I can't seem to get beyond the first phrase of this passage, because the gifts we have been given are so overwhelming. Start with the gift of life itself and being such a part of God's creation, God's own expression of Love. After that come all the gifts we take so for granted, the gifts of sight, hearing and touch which we never think about unless they are taken away. This is where an injury or illness can be a real blessing in disguise if it makes us realize what a privilege it is to be alive on this earth where our afflictions can so often be helped or healed because we have been endowed with reason, memory and skill.
Our individual talents are another source of wonder. Who made that crust on the lemon meringue pie; who was the teacher that inspired us to pursue an interest; who was that adult who listened to us without judgment when we were teens ? Indeed, "there are varieties of gifts" and we all have them and they come from "the same God that activates them in everyone." Love is said to be incomplete until it is given away. Since God has given each of us so much, how can we help but share our gifts with others?
Michael Ryan
