AUGUST 4, Romans 12:6-8

Kathy’s mom smiled as she heard the first notes of a Bach piano concerto drifting in from the living room. Kathy would often continue playing long after her piano lesson is over.

When Kathy had stopped playing, she came into the kitchen for a cookie. “By the way, honey,” said Mom, “Mrs. Lim called today. She would like you to play for the Junior Choir practice next week. I said I would ask you, but that I was pretty sure you would do it.”

“Oh, Mom!” exclaimed Kathy in dismay. “I don’t really want to. I’ll call and tell her tonight.” Mom sighed. In spite of Kathy’s ability and her love of music, she didn’t like to play in public. “I’ll do it when I’m older,” she often said. Now Kathy quickly changed the subject. “Lisa asked some of us over to play games tonight,” she said. “May I go?” “Sure.” Mom nodded.

When Kathy returned home from Lisa’s that evening, she was quiet and seemed unhappy. “Did you have a good time?” asked Mom.

“I guess so,” mumbled Kathy, “but do you know what? I saw the necklace I gave Lisa for her birthday in her room. It was still in the box high up on the closet shelf! When I gave it to her, she said it was pretty and that she liked it. If she really liked it, why would she put it away and not use it? I used two weeks of my allowance money to get it for her, and she doesn’t even appreciate it!”

“I’m sorry. Maybe she’ll wear it later,” Mom sympathized. She hesitated, then added, “Kathy, are you sure you aren’t treating God’s gift the same way Lisa is treating your gift?”

“What do you mean?” asked Kathy.

“God has given you a gift in music, but… it’s kind of like you’ve put it on a shelf,” explained Mom. “You play the piano well, and you enjoy playing it at home, but like Lisa, you seem unwilling to take your gift off the shelf and use it anywhere else.”

Kathy was silent for a while. “Wow! You’re right,” she admitted. “I’ll tell Mrs. Lim that I’ll play for the Junior Choir whenever she needs me.”

Thought: What gift has God given you? Do you use it?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I think about the gifts You have given me. Then may I use them to bring a blessing to others and give glory to You. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.