From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be
demanded.
As we move into the season of Advent, we
turn our focus to celebrating the birth of
our Savior, Jesus.
Along the way, we are reminded this is also
a season of giving. Pondering our ability to share
often conjures up thoughts on scarcity, how much
is enough, and abundance in our own lives. Each day we read, hear and see people in the news and
in our own community who wonder where food, shelter or other necessary resources are going to come from - while most of us have plenty of food
in our cupboards, live in a warm and comfortable home, and have enough money to pay the bills each month.
Unfortunately, our fear of scarcity, of not
having enough, is so ingrained in us that our own recognition of abundance is often blurred. In
America, we are taught to store up our treasures
and build our bank accounts and invest wisely. Signs all around us say: “watch out for yourself,” “take care of your own,” and “grab your piece of
the pie before someone else gets it.” The Gospel,
on the other hand, invites us to share our pie, to sit in the company of others and care about their needs, and to trust that God’s blessing is more powerful than any financial market.
Even though we still live in the real world and today’s economic climate is tough, we also live in a time of incredible affluence. Most Americans have a surplus of material goods in their lives and have grown accustomed to accumulating more “stuff” than they will ever need. In fact, most Americans could give away a significant portion of their gross income … and still be wealthy beyond the wildest dreams of more than four billion people on the planet. Most of us recognize that we already have all the things to live a fairly comfortable life. However, are we using the “extras” in our life to ensure that others might have greater safety, clean drinking water, shelter, food, and clothes? While God wants us all to have an abundant life, we often fail to understand that this also means to live simply and generously. If we recognize
that God gives us more than enough (abundance) we
can and should freely give to
others.
Like many
of you, I have
always found
that the greatest satisfaction is in serving others.
No matter how much I may have wanted some material item such as a new pair of shoes or the latest
electronic gadget, it was never as rewarding
as the times I worked with a passionate group
of people on a project that changed peoples’ lives. Surprisingly, out of the many rich
experiences I’ve enjoyed in my life, the times
of helping others remain the most memorable.
By sharing our time, talent and treasure we are living a life according to the way that
Jesus wants us to live. We all are called to
become better stewards of our many gifts and find meaningful ways to share those gifts in a way that is pleasing to God. Surprisingly, we also learn that the more we give the more we tend to receive, which adds meaning and value to our lives.
As you reflect upon your own life, ask yourself this: What are examples of abundance in my life and what is it doing for me? How can what ‘I have’ impact others? And lastly, what will I do with it?
As God’s people, we have been blessed to be a blessing. During this season of giving, I hope you will consider sharing some of the abundance in your life, and delight in a long life of generosity and grace.
What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
Sandy Patano,
on behalf of the Stewardship Committee
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MORE STEWARDSHIP NEWS:
TLC Stewardship
2011 & Beyond
Lighten Up! The Days Are
Getting Longer!
Technically speaking, the winter solstice occurs exactly when the axial tilt of a planet’s polar hemisphere is farthest away from the star that it orbits. In familiar terms, Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year, the first day of winter, and typically occurs on or around the 21st of
December. In 2011, the official date was December 22, and the days have been getting longer ever since.
Knowing the days are getting longer tends to lift our spirits. For the next six months, we can look
forward to additional minutes of daylight added to each and every day. Light! And as Christians, we move into the season of Epiphany, which looks ahead to the mission of the church in light of the Nativity.
In 2 Samuel 22:29 we are reminded, “You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” Regardless of the time of year, we can count on God’s gift of light – a spiritual abundance! This
spiritual abundance fuels us to embrace and further the mission of the church. “Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Sue Thilo, On Behalf of the Stewardship Committee
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