We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other. We have different gifts that are consistent with God’s grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, you should prophesy in proportion to your faith. If your gift is service, devote yourself to serving. If your gift is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. If your gift is encouragement, devote yourself to encouraging. The one giving should do it with no strings attached. The leader should lead with passion. The one showing mercy should be cheerful.

Romans 12:4-8

I have decided to build this morning’s post around this photograph of our two-and-a-half year old grandson, Mr. T., in Bahrain. We don’t get all that many images “cleared by the censors” to share, so I’m jumping on this one.

If you remember from my series of posts when Rebekah visited the kingdom earlier this year, there is a very little on the island other than sand. What makes the place interesting is the people. But isn’t that always the case? This may be a polarized, conflicted, war-torn world, but it is populated – in the most part – by genuine, hospitable, good-hearted people who want nothing more than peace.

So here is Mr. T., riding his bike around and checking out one of the many oil wells that dot the landscape.

His parents are not in Bahrain because of geopolitics, for tourism, to Americanize the local culture, or to exploit the economy, but to share the gift of an education and to instal a love of learning with anyone they have the privilege of reaching and teaching.

Miami:

Then, younger still, Geoffrey is getting his balance back now the cast is gone. With a little help, of course, from his wonderful siblings.

This image is exactly where I want our relationship to the wide world to be right now. Help; respect; belief; a steadying hand; investment in others; hope; promise; courage evidenced in one because of encouragement from the other; self giving generosity; love in action.

Is not the point of strength to lift up?

Is not my privilege also my responsibility?

Is not blessing a reason to bless?

Is not this gift of life an opportunity to serve? And Jesus our invitation to live?

What would happen if kindness, generosity, service, and grace defined us?

In love, and because of love – DEREK