Today’s reflection is from a new contributor, Thomas Hoskinson. He shares these words by way of introduction: “I am deeply grateful to be able to share my reflections in this series of devotionals. I hope that my observations help you contemplate our interconnectedness and aid others in finding peace and hope in our Lord!” Thank you, Thomas!
And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts.
Reflection
It took me a long time to figure out my path in college. After changing my area of study a whopping seven times and feeling like a fish out of water, I went to my Advisor to seek her counsel on what I could do to finish a degree and start the “productive” era in my life. Miraculously, even with the array of courses I had taken, a path became clear that could accommodate my indecision.
I finished my degree in 2019 in Global Business and Economics and shortly thereafter decided that I wanted to work with and for the people with whom I surround myself at work, home, and beyond. Fast forward a few years and now I manage conflicts throughout a national organization to work towards peace in difficult situations. It is said in 1 Peter 4:10 (CEB) “And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts.” Being stewards of God’s gifts, we are asked to acknowledge and use our abilities for the good of our community.
With this in mind, it’s important to consider that our abilities, interests, and talents change over time, and perhaps God will call to you for a new purpose as you continue to grow spiritually and physically. Today itself is a gift, and each day presents new opportunities to serve God and each other. To quote Bill Keane: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
As you are reading this, I ask you to contemplate the many ways that God has inspired you to serve others through your actions, prayers, and support, and the new ways that you are being asked to share your gifts with the world. Consider the times in your life where you felt it in your heart to step into a challenging role to improve the world, even in small ways. These situations often show us the gifts we are fortunate to possess, waiting to be shared. Just as I navigated my own set of winding roads, you too may find that your journey holds unexpected turns that lead you to discover new purposes in life.
May you continue in peace and grace, my friend. I leave you with this prayer:
Lord, thank You for the tremendous blessings with which You have filled my life. You knew me in my smallest moments and have since continued to cultivate and refine me in service of your Kin-dom. Today I ask that You reveal ways that I can make a positive impact on those around me, filling them with hope and love that can only be derived from Your divine presence. Grant that I may be courageous to step out of my comfort zone to see the needs of those around me. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.
by Thomas Hoskinson
