Excerpt from 1 Timothy 4:14

"Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders."

Reflection by Donna Schaper

Whoever wrote the letter to Timothy was pretty smart.  Flattery will get you everywhere—and the idea that we have a gift in us makes us feel good.  Unfortunately, the good feeling is a lot like bubble gum.  The sweet goes out after a few chews.  What is your gift?  Is the emphasis on "your?"  Or "gift?"  If I could tell you what my groove or gift was, in any given situation, you need not fear that I would neglect it.  I'd be much more likely to overdo it, which is to say give it over and over again, long after it had worn out its usefulness or gumption.

What is a gift?  It is a groove or rut of person and moment that, neglected, impoverishes history.  Some people know how to never miss missing an opportunity.  Others have better timing.  Some people know how to be selfish at just the wrong moment so that their self-centeredness takes on the sinking water of tragedy over time.  Others know how to be quiet equally aptly and nurse a wound in private.  Still others nurse way too much in private and would endow their families (and congregations) with greatness if they would just speak up.  Thank you, ancient scripture, for alerting us to pay attention to our grooves and our ruts and our gifts.

Prayer

Great Giver of Gifts, we pray for a gift wizard, for a way to know what we dare not neglect, today.  Amen. 

About the Author Donna Schaper is Senior Minister of Judson Memorial Church, New York, New York.