Today is pleasant and mild. We had a thoughtful church service this morning where Pastor Kerry spoke of stewardship and its many facets. I have heard it said that where a person’s heart is…is where you will find them spending time and resources. Indeed…there are many ways to help your fellow congregants and your fellow women and men. I think that the mission outreach of our little First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale, Illinois…was one of the first things that captured my heart. Words are wonderful…but actions speak for themselves. ‘And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warm and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth profit?’ James 2:6. KJV

My friend, Rob, spoke of the scripture where the man buried the talent that had been given him by his master…in the earth. I have been guilty of this folly. Rob pointed out that all of the talents that had been given to the servant… were intact and not diminished…in the earth. It is so easy to say and believe that others are more talented and gifted and adept at the ministry to the needy… But the reality is that every one of us is made out of the same substance and all of us are children of God and helpers of each other. There is not a person who has been given the gift of life who does not have a gift to share with their brothers and sisters.

Miracles greet us every morning. We are not ordinary. Each of us is unique in all of Creation. We are all part of the Grand Human Story. Do you know someone who is hungry? Buy them some groceries. Do you know someone who is helpless? Help them find warmth and a roof over their head. Do you know someone who is sad and lonely? Make that person your focus for friendship. The Apostle Paul said that we peer through a glass…dimly… But…one day…the picture will be clear. We will see why we were placed on earth and how well we used our…talent…