“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different languages, and to still another the interpretation of languages. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and the Spirit distributes them to each one, just as the Spirit determines.” 1Corinthians12:4-11
I just spent ten days with my husband Ken in the hospital as he underwent major heart surgery and recovery. What a helpless feeling to have his heart and its repair and his first days of recuperation in the hands of individuals who until the 19th of January I did not know. These individuals – surgeons, PAs, NPs, nurses, therapists, nursing assistants, and nursing students have been gifted by God the skills necessary to heal. In addition, I saw the gift of teaching, as nursing students trailed Ken’s nurses. Therapists worked with Ken to strengthen him to return home. The doctors and PAs spoke patiently with us on what we needed to do as Ken returned home.
I felt the gifts of love and concern from our families and friends. Support from Pastor Lowell and Pastor Alec was there when I most needed it and most especially, I could feel the prayers being lifted up daily for Ken’s recovery. I know that there are times when I forget that faith in the love, support, and prayers are the foundation for our lives.
We all have our gifts that are given to us by the Holy Spirit. The expectation is that these gifts would then be used in service to others. Of course, I saw the gifts of healing first hand but I know that we have a number of medical professionals within LOL that use this gift as a daily service to others. We have within our congregation teachers who share their gifts of knowledge and wisdom with the community but also within our congregation. Within our congregation, we have other professions such as scientists, computer specialists, business leaders, and service providers who use their Spirit-given gifts to serve others. For those of us who have retired, we take the time to impart our wisdom from our many years of service.
What are your gifts? Do you hide them under a basket? Do you let them shine forth and share with others in the community and within our congregation? Our mission statement sends us forth to live, share, and celebrate God’s love through Jesus Christ. Do you use the gifts that the Spirit has bestowed on you to follow our mission?
As we begin this new year, the church council will be asking our members to participate in various areas as we continue to actively work on our strategic goals in the areas of Worship, Faith Formation, and Outreach. Each of us has gifts that will lift up the LOL mission through these strategic goals.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!
Denise Krallman, Council President