By Maureen Kalbus
Sheltering at home, in Marin we are now hemmed in by smoke, haze and unhealthy air, emanating from the lightning fires that are still burning. Seeking masked solace outside in the garden, on the golf course or walks is doubly hazardous. The fringe benefits are the glorious sunsets, as the setting sun is a crimson fiery globe. Looking through our south facing windows, we strain to catch a glimpse of Mt Tam, playing hide ‘n’ seek with the blanket of fog. Miraculously, butterflies, bees and yellow jackets are still seeking pollen, and the frantically flapping hummingbirds are sucking the nectar out of our feeders. Deer are wandering listlessly around: at the weekend a doe had her nosed pressed against a bedroom window! We salvage roses, herbs, tomatoes, and fruit, before they become victims of the smoke. Spending time focused on flowers, plants and creatures, I continue to be amazed by the kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, designs and varieties, reminding me of a childhood hymn ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful.” Written in 1848, Cecil Francis Alexander, who was the wife of the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, would have been inspired by her garden and its back drop in Count Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
“All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small.
All things wise and wonderful. The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings
God made their glowing colours, God made their tiny wings.
The purple headed mountain, The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning That brightens up the sky.
The cold wind in the winter, The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden, God made them every one.
God gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty, Who has made all things well.”
Over the decades, as I worked with children, I was fascinated by the variety of looks, features, shapes, sizes and personalities among any group. Particularly, I appreciated the gifts and talents with which each one was endowed. As an educator, I sought ways that I, my staff, and colleagues around the world, could discover and develop each youngster’s potential. A lovely poem by George Betts embodies this:
“ At last, we are beginning to understand you. We realise your beauty, your ability, your potential…
A lifetime of excitement, joy, involvement, creativity awaits you…but first we must nurture you.
We must give you the opportunity to accept and value your strengths and your differences…
to accept and value the strengths and differences of others…
The opportunity to actively pursue your passions, your areas of adventure, and your dreams…
to help make our world a better place in which to live, where, as you choose, you may become
the explorers, the inventors, the artists, the poets, the leaders of tomorrow…
But, most importantly, we must help you to become your true “selves”,
to withstand the pressure from outside, and to listen closely to your hearts
so that you may develop your potential, and become what you truly can be, what you really are….
Did you meet your potential? Have you gifts and talents that have lain dormant? Have you pursued your passions and dreams?
In a recent Sunday Scripture taken from Romans 12 v 1 -12, we heard that “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesizing, then prophesy in accordance with your faith. If it is serving, then serve; if teaching, then teach. If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously: if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Within a church family, I believe it is vital for each of us to realize his/her strengths/gifts/talents, and offer them for the common good. There are so many ways to be supportive of our church, its functioning and those around us, near and far. The Annual Report always overviews all possibilities: Choir/Music; Church and Society; Connections; Deacons; Dinner Parties; Education; Elders; Family Ministries; Gardening; Hospitality; Older Adults; Personnel; Resources; Women’s Retreat; Worship [encompassing Church Mice, Flower arranging and Liturgists] Very often, around a church, when tapped on the shoulder and asked to participate, we agree to a suggested role, even though it is not a good fit. If there is an area in which you have an interest and ability, and it would be a good fit, contact the Church Office and let us know!
What are your strengths/gifts/talents? How could you contribute them in support of the church? Are there ways you would like to be involved?
“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” William Penn
“God’s creative Plan” by Theresa Bratko
“Why did God create us,
So different every one?
I suspect He chose variety
To make our lives more fun.
What wonder without limit
To look through God’s own eyes
And view the possibilities
We’ve failed to recognize.
Everyone has special gifts
To bring to life each day,
For every person is unique-
God planned it just that way.”
Amid your confines, seek creative ways to reach out and share your uniqueness with your church family, and over the coming weeks
“With the first light of sun- Bless you
When the long day is done- Bless you
In your smiles and your tears- Bless you
Through each day of your years- Bless you.”
Irish Blessing
Warm wishes, Maureen Kalbus
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