How your giving goes on endlessly

What are your special gifts?

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.”

I guess I’m still hung up on that new CD. The joy of the Peter Link's words, music, and of Julia Wade's voice thrill and inspire me.

Today’s song is “The Gift.” The source is Paul, admonishing the Corinthians to appreciate and value everyone’s contributions, because all that’s good originates from one source. He says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” One God, one good. Then he elaborates with a list of talents and special skills that he finds in their community: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy.

The song’s gift list expands to include: music, patience, inner joy, grace of movement, integrity, motherhood.

Now comes this very cool insight: “The giving goes on endlessly. The giving’s never done,” because “these are God’s gifts in action . . . for the healing of the world.”

Simple things. The mom kisses the dad (or the dad kisses the mom; or you wave to a neighbor) who goes off more cheerful than s/he might have otherwise, and this cheer inspires them to be generous to other drivers on the road, who appreciate that consideration, and pass it along during the day. And on and on.

That’s the whole point of God’s love for man, isn’t it. That God gives us His/Her love, and then we share that love with our fellow man. Like the proverbial ripple in the pond, the generosity goes on and on. If we do it well, sharing our gifts can increase exponentially!

And it's important to keep giving, because otherwise the friction and contrariness of the world would slow and stop the promise of that outward momentum.

The reason giving special qualities can go on endlessly is because we are not the source, only a means, a channel, for good. We don't originate good or have to look for more. The supply is unlimited. Whatever goes out to bless is immediately replaced.

What if we think we don’t have anything to share? Then we need to recognize our value, because kindness, patience, caring, listening – these are huge gifts. And the world needs them.

Children appreciate adults who listen to them. Everyone appreciates a good listener. At one time when our household was super busy, I remember complaining that the dog was the only one who listened to me! Hmm. Perhaps I should have been grateful that at least the dog listened.

We each have the ability to naturally put God's gifts into action. We are all richer in spirit than we realize.

The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood,
all having the same Principle, or Father;
and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need
and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good.
Mary Baker Eddy

Story for the ages