God puts his smile in you

‘At that time the Kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there was a man who was about to go on a journey; he called his servants and put them in charge of his property. He gave to each one according to his ability: to one he gave five thousand gold coins, to another he gave two thousand, and to another he gave one thousand. Then he left on his journey.’ (verses 14,15)

Read Matthew 25:14-30

Flowers are a loving gift to us from God. I love them – and I love them even more because they make me think of my Creator. A garden in full bloom lifts the spirit. But there wouldn’t be a garden if it were not for each individual flower in its place, smiling at you and giving praise to its maker.

Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is like that. God has given you and all of us a ‘golden coin’ that will shine and bring joy to him and others. Perhaps you don’t recognise the gift that God has given you. Or perhaps you do, but you are embarrassed or afraid to use it because of what others may say.

Jesus wants you to know just how special you are. He made you the way you are and gave you the gifts you have. He has made you so that you may bring beauty, kindness, love, joy and peace to everyone you meet. That’s his baptismal gift to you. That’s how his gift shines through you. That’s the way it is in his kingdom.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me the gifts that I have. Help me to use them to your glory. Amen.

by Len Tscharke, in ‘Living Water for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2001)

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