God-given gifts

Happy Veteran's Day! I'm grateful for all who have served and/or are currently serving our country. No matter how you feel about our recent election, I hope you voted. As much hooplah as I heard about setting records, in the end I think only ~1% more voters turned out and celebrated their freedom.

Not everyone is called to the military. In 1 Corinthians 12 we are presented with the analogy that we are all members of one body, each with our own special function. This is so true. It doesn't make sense for us to all be good at the same thing. Item #116 in 1001 Things Every Teen Should Know Before They Leave Home (Or Else They'll Come Back) is "They should know what they're capable of doing for a living. Not just what they'd like to do."

The concept is an echo of Romans 12. I love the exhortation: Don't think of yourself more highly than you ought.

It is up to each of us to take stock of our strengths & weaknesses, identify where we can improve (no matter what, there is always room for improvement) and embrace who we are, "eagerly desiring the greater gifts."

We should not look to worldly confirmation of our value. My employer traded me off to a supplier. So what? Am I still a blessed child of God? You bet! I think my stock has increased. I trust God to provide. I will do my part to make the most of the talents He has given me. Whether I'm helping my team get set up in our new lab or whether I'm finding something meaningful to blog about, hopefully I'm demonstrating my faith - my love of God and my love of you. You are my brethren, and members of a shared body.

And again, I'm grateful for the members of the body who offer themselves up to protect us as a whole. Happy Veteran's Day!

Peace,