Gifts « God is Good!
Suppose I knew of a secret, mysterious garden, surrounded by a high wall with only one gate leading into it. In the garden were placed riches and beauties of all kinds. I found out that someone was willing to give me the special key to this wondrous place. How I would clamor and beg for this key!
I found out that the key is prayer which opens the gate and permits me to walk into this garden of unbelievable beauty and wealth. On the bench in the garden sits the Lord, the same Gentle Person of the Gospels. I can sit down with Him and converse with Him about anything I wish. He gives His full attention to me as if I were the only person in the world.
As I share my thoughts and visions with Him, He is constantly reaching out to pluck a fruit from a tree, or pick up a precious stone at His feet, or a lovely flower and putting them in His hands. Because of my love and faith which are showing through my words, He puts blessings in the form of these gifts of the garden into my pockets and heart. In a short time, I have riches of all kinds to make my life more fulfilling.
Reluctantly, I rise to leave. What a pleasant, relaxing experience it has been to sit with my Friend, the Lord Jesus. I am grateful to those who gave me the key to this splendid garden – that which is prayer. These visits changed my life.
One early morning, years ago, I joined two strong young men, strangers to me, on the first tee for a round of golf. Not only did I enjoy their pleasant company, but one of them, Don by name, could hit the golf ball tremendous distances, making it disappear into the far beyond. My warm enthusiasm for his ability encouraged him to think of his accomplishments.
On my way home, I asked myself why this game of golf with strangers had been such an enjoyable experience. Quickly the answer came; because, for a change, I allowed myself to share in the talents and gifts of another human being, instead of being sad at my own inabilities.
Even if a person doesn't have the gifts of mind, heart and physical strength that others have, no one can stop him from admiring them and making them a part of his life. Call this a vicarious happiness. A parent sees his infant taking its first steps on its own and lets out a cry of joy, heard throughout the neighborhood. In a real way, the parent is participating in the most momentous happening of the child's infancy.
I once lived with a priest whose hobby was collecting miniature fire engines used throughout the world. He opened my eyes to a new area of knowledge. As friends tell of their vacation travels, the listeners could learn much about the world and its customs. In a way, they are making the trip, although much more cheaply!
By looking outside himself, a person can increase his scope for happiness. If he fills his heart with his own self-importance and own limited personal skills, his spirit could stop growing. Exult in the flying fingers of a concert pianist, the dexterity of a high wire artist at the circus. Revel in admiration before the works of art and sculpture. Delight in the perfect musical pitch of the professional singer. In every way, an outgoing person can enthusiastically participate in these splendid gifts and make them his own.
In these autumn days, all of Nature cries out to us to share in its magnificent beauty. What Grand Designer made the blue prints for the spindle legs of a robin, such delicate landing gear for a heavy body? In the fallen leaves, one finds a canvas-like texture along with a honeycomb of tiny canals to bring nourishment to the extremities.