Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Pondering Ability and Giftedness


PONDERING ABILITY AND GIFTEDNESS

Anxiously he muttered quietly to himself…and me,                    
 "Hmmmm, we need more able-bodied men around here."
 Sweetly, but with confidence, I replied,
 "Well, I'm an able-bodied woman. What do you need done?" 
 Gratefully, he handed me an offering plate.
 Stoically, I laughed to myself.

I own five hammers, a drill and a skill saw
Two tool boxes and a wheel barrel.
I've been known to cut, hang, mud and sand,
Then paint the finished product, miter and add trim.
I move furniture and shovel snow,
I haul gravel, mulch and sand.
I raised five children by myself (with God!), for heaven's sake!
I think I can handle an offering plate.

I can preach a sermon,
Teach a class,
Pray against the gates of hell,
And soothe a dying soul. 
Don't underestimate me.
Please don't give me labels based on age or gender roles.
I have been called and gifted by God.
I will use what He has blessed me with,
And finish the race believing that
He created me in His image and for His purposes.
Confidently. Purposefully. Gratefully. Uniquely.
And carry that offering plate with grace...called to serve.

(c) Pastor Debby Bentch