Listen

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

Think

Have you ever not been able to find the right tool for a job? It seems a rite of passage for young people on their road to adulthood—trying to get something done without the right supplies. You make do, and before you know it, you have a final product that doesn’t quite look like it was supposed to, but it is done.

Jesus invites us to a different way, especially when it comes to our own lives. We are made to be lights in the world and to share the flavor of God’s love with others. But sometimes we shine inward and forget that our gifts and talents are not for us alone, but given to share. We become like the tool not used for the right job. It might get done in the end, but it doesn’t look quite right and is probably more work than needed.

Andrew Kellner

Pray

God, help me to see how my gifts and talents were created and given to me for making you and your love known in the world. Help me to shine out your love and share kindness, compassion, and hope with all whom I meet—even when it is difficult. Amen.

Go

Go now knowing that God knows you inside and out.
Go knowing that God accepts you and is redeeming you.
Go knowing that God has given you all you need
To do and become all that God intends.

You are a work in progress
And your Creator is at work in you still.

Trust the Maker’s hand.