OnFire #112 Not My Pellet Gun

Hi Folks:

What a neat day today. First, I got up early and worked on chapter two of my book, laying down a lot of thoughts. I've been itchy to get back to this, and it felt good. Next, I was talking on the phone this morning, looked out the window and saw three peacocks walking through our neighbours back yard. They don't have peacocks. We often see them in the car pool parking lot down the road. This was the first time in our back yards. We don't know who they belong to.

Next, at about 11am a friend walked in to ask if we had seen the turtle laying eggs on the side of the road near the car pool lot. Of course, we had to go see this. Sure enough, there she was, digging in the sand and gravel. After a time we saw her lay more than a dozen eggs. Eventually Natural Resources showed up. Apparently this is common because the sand and gravel are ideal for digging. The eggs will hatch in September or October, but if conditions are not right, they may not hatch until May. We are more than 200m from a river, but this does not matter for these turtles. We took lots of pictures, and some are on the website at www.onfireletter.com. Amazing.

We had supper with friends. Our friend Dorothy's husband, Dan (of timber salvaging expeditions), is away on business, and so we invited the rest of the family over for turkey.

Finally, we went down to see the high school youth on prom night. This is a major event in Shelburne, drawing parents, friends, family, (and pastors) to take pictures outside the yacht club and school before the dance. Local antique car owners and even the fire department drive couples to the school. It is amazing to see these kids transformed from jeans and t-shirts into beautiful and handsome young ladies and men.

That was my day. A good one. I hope yours was also.

Blessings for your week,

Troy

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"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:6)

When I was a young teen, my brother received a pellet gun for Christmas. I was soooo jealous I must have been unbearable. I wanted the pellet gun. I had asked for it, but for some reason he got it. I had imagined all the fun I would have with it, and when he opened up the cardboard box with the Slavia 630 wrapped in oil-soaked paper, I was disappointed, hurt, angry.

It seems silly now. But it is not silly when the reaction happens between people in the Christian community. We can become jealous of the abilities and talents that God gave to other people.

Some people are gifted in ways we want to be. I'd love to be a talented musician and worship leader. I do OK, but not like someone who is really gifted. I'd love to have a gift of evangelism like some people I know. I can list on one hand those whom I'm led to the Lord. As a youth pastor, I once planned some events with a youth evangelist where hundreds made real decisions to follow Jesus. I wish I could fashion a piece of wood like my friend Dan, or make a equipment work like my friend Gary. I wish..., I wish..., I wish.... When I see these people I have to remind myself that God gifted those people to do what He called them to do, and He's gifted me to do what He calls me to do.

We don't always see how our gifts are important and fit into the overall scheme. I know people who aren't likely to teach a class or speak in public, but when they deliver a baked good, organize the kitchen for a social, photocopy the bulletin, clean the church, host a small group, or drive youth for an event, they are doing important work

If we a re followers of Jesus, God has given us a gift of ability in some area. We do not all have the same gift. Some will be more prominent than others, but this does not mean one is more important than another. We all have a gift, and God expects us to use the one He gave us, not long for the one we wish we had.

I hope this helps. Be OnFire.

Troy

ON FIRE is a weekly letter of encouragement by Troy Dennis. To be added to or removed from the ON FIRE list contact him at onfire@eastlink.ca . This letter published June 26, 2007.