Investment

   "Well done!" the king exclaimed, "You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward." Luke 19:17

  The investment being mulled over isn't anything to do with money, it's investing in the gifts God has so generously blessed into my life. The story above winds up with the third servant who hid the money his master gave him. The king took what he had and gave it to someone else.

 

  "...and to those who do well, even more will be given." Luke 19:26

  I've never felt such a personal connection to this particular parable like the one that has smacked me upside the head this morning. 

  Like the lamp under a basket, we aren't supposed to keep our light to ourselves! I didn't understand before because I thought it was only about being a believer; about sharing our faith. However, true to to the nature of Scriptures, there is much to read between the lines.

  Over the last week or so, I've found myself declaring, thinking upon and silently whispering into my soul that, "I am a writer." It is beginning to sit comfortably on my shoulders as my belief in this gift becomes more real. 

  In high school English class, we had to write a sci-fi short story. The gist of it was an alien on earth writing a letter to home. Mine was about witnessing the destruction of ancient glass and concrete towers. The type that are iconic to a downtown core in many cities. They were being torn down to make room for more modern designs. I don't remember much else about the story except that my teacher read it to the class.

  I squirmed, so uncomfortable with being singled out. I squirmed because I hated the thought that others in the class would feel bad about their own stories.

  Hmmm...this idea has deep roots.

  Now, here's a thought...what if my story actually encouraged someone else to delve into creative writing? What if sharing it led the way for someone else to share theirs? What if it demonstrated the power of language, of words that can paint pictures or stir the heart?

  I will probably never know.

  This morning I've realized thinking these kinds of things is neither boastful nor proud because only God knows who or why our lives and our gifts will impact someone else.

  They are meant to be shared.

  Pride isn't even in the picture, not if sharing is an expression of gratitude!

  So I'll wrap up for today with a prayer:

  Thank You Lord, for the gifts of pen and brush. Thank You for this amazing brain! Thank You for Your patience and guidance. Thank You for helping me see past the lies, the deception and false truths. Thank You for all of it, the good, the bad, the sad, the glad. Most of all, thank You for setting me free. In Jesus' name, AMEN!