We All Have Something to Offer

Yesterday we reflected on Moses, standing on the top of Mount Pisgah, looking out on the promised land, knowing that he would not live long enough to enter. I used to think – Moses had to have been longing to go with them – even just to step foot in the land. But more and more, it strikes me that maybe, just maybe, he was actually very content, knowing he had done his part.

Years ago Erma Bombeck wrote about two very different times in her husband’s life:  The first was back when their children were young and growing up. Her husband used to go and stand and look out the back window, surveying the backyard. He would sigh as he lamented the muddy patches where the lawn should be. And he would wonder out loud, “Will the grass ever come back?” And then much later when the children were grown and gone, her husband would stand and stare out that same window looking over the beautiful green lawn, immaculate from lack of use. And he would wonder out loud, “Will the children ever come back?”

What a powerful reminder that we don’t have forever. Live moves on. Things change. 

However, in the short time we are here, we do have the opportunity to build on a foundation of something good; something meaningful, worthwhile; something that has eternal significance. 

You and I stand within a great tradition and have inherited a faith that did not begin with us, and it will not end with us. But in the time we have – we all have a role to play. No matter what our age or stage of life, we all have something to offer.

Let us pray: We thank you, Loving God, for the many blessings in our lives; for friendships and family, for your love for us, and for the faith that was handed down to us. May we, in response, ever be looking for ways to be a blessing to you and to others; in Jesus’ name. Amen.