Making room for the gift

Proverbs 18:16 reminds us that "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men."  Think about the gifts that you have and that the diligence in which you exercise your gift will inevitably place you in the company of great people, not just random Joe Schmoes, Toms, Dicks, Harrys, and Debbie Downers, but upwardly mobile people who are on a mission, and would like to have you along for the experience.

Today marks the beginning of the season of the Epiphany in many churches.  In many countries, this is the day in which holiday gifts are exchanged instead of December 25th.  As children tend to believe that the Magi bring their gifts as opposed to Santa.  The Epiphany commemorates the Magi and their presentation of gifts to the Christ child.  If we look at Jesus, he is an example of Proverbs 18:16.  He had the gifts of salvation, love, joy, and peace, just to name a few.  A great celestial event happened.  Scholars and wisemen from the east came searching for him and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

During this season of Epiphany, which will lead us to Lent, I want you to think about the gifts that you have, not material gifts but skills, passions and knowledge.  Tap into your gifts.  Realize your value, people from far and near will be intrigued and perhaps mentor you, or introduce you to the person that could be instrumental  in helping you climb a little higher on the ladder.  Let this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer for the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany minister to you.

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us:  Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Make room for the gift.

Peace,
Karsten