TOOLS FROM GOD
LIKE PENCILS AND BOOKS – can be instruments in a life of devotion to God, and bring love to the world around us. As we grow into our relationship with God, we are led to know and understand who we are created to be, and how we can best serve God. Practically speaking, we find out what gifts we have been given and how best to use them. This story of the nature of a pencil helps us understand this. “What makes a thing bad? A pencil is a good pencil because it does what it was made to do. It writes. Is it a good can opener? It certainly is not! Suppose I use the pencil as a can opener. what happens? First of all, I do not open the can. Second, I destroy the pencil.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen When we allow God to help us live in love, we learn how to be who we really are, and will be successful as we live out our purpose through love, using what God has given us. I have always loved music, but it turned out I was not given the gifts to be a violinist. I was terrible. God did give me a voice to sing though and when I use it for God’s glory it fills me with joy. We all try some things we are not gifted in doing and we are happier when we discover parts of our lives where we are given gifts to be successful for God. When we are open to discovering those parts of us that are supported by our gifts, we will gain in our capacity to love God and those around us.
God will guide and support us in this discovery, although it will not be easy. I have spoken about the role that books have played in my life. I have met countless others who have also found books and the love of reading a great blessing and comfort. “Books are the most wonderful friends in the world. When you meet them and pick them up, they are always ready to give you a few ideas. When you put them down, they never get mad; when you take them up again, they seem to enrich you all the more.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Even more profoundly, this verse from 2 Corinthians 9 assures us of what God will lovingly do in and for us: 8 ”And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work. 9 As the Scriptures say, “God gives generously to the poor; this goodness will continue forever.” 10 God is the one who gives seed to those who plant and gives bread for food. And God will give you spiritual seed and make that seed grow, and will produce a great harvest from your goodness.11 God will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will make people give thanks to God.” Such is the life God has given us, if we are willing to grow into it, and be blessed by God as we are living it. O God of grace and love, we are thankful for all that you give us – our very lives and all the blessings that go with it. Help us to open to you and discover who you have made us to be. Guide us to use all the tools and gifts you have given us so we may live out the highest purpose of your love. Amen. PEACE