The Gift of Time

Yesterday I mentioned that over the last year, our congregation stopped taking up a physical financial offering in worship. Remembering that giving is more than just about money, we shifted to a more general invitation: During this time of offering, I invite you to give your hearts and lives again to Christ.

But how does that look – concretely?

Yesterday I spoke about showing up with an open heart.

But there is more…

A few weeks ago, I was in the hill country of Texas with a clergy group. I’ve been gathering with this same group now for 22 years. We usually have a couple of books to discuss. We talk about ministry-related issues. And, we check in with each other in four areas of our lives: vocationally, personally, physically, and spiritually. This is a way of holding each other accountable. What are you doing to take care of yourself in these areas?

While checking in on her spiritual life, one of my friends said, “You know my prayer life is okay… but what I think I’m really missing is giving some of my time to serve the poor…” This is where she senses Christ’s presence in the deepest way. This is where she is fed.

Her comments reminded me of the inner growth that happens through serving others – whether that is inside the church or beyond it. On top of that, we deepen when we begin to build relationships with those who are very different than ourselves.

When we reflect on offering our lives, we might pray: God, you have called me to be a part of your Body here on earth – your hands, your feet, concretely doing your work. You have called me to share my life with others. In response I set time aside (mark it on my calendar), to use the gifts I’ve been given, to bless the world.

Let us pray: Open our hearts to trust you, O God, and to surrender. Even in our own need, especially in our own need, help us find ways to give and to serve; in Jesus’ name. Amen.