I hope you enjoyed the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
celebrations. Soon the focus of our
attention will be the Olympic Games.
For those who have obtained tickets, I guess it will be great to share
in the atmosphere of a live event; others will find it hard to prise themselves
away from their television screens. The
sheer variety of events means that, whether or not we participate in sports or
watch them regularly, there should be something to interest most people. Even the least “sporty” among us can get
caught up in the excitement as results are announced, and all can share in
feelings of national pride when medals are awarded to our own Olympic teams.
Sometimes people say things like, “I wish I could
run (or jump, or swim, etc.) like that”. The same kind of comments are sometimes made
by people watching a great actor, or listening to a brilliant musical recital,
or seeing a gifted artist at work. For those who feel that their attainment
levels have never reached more than average, there may be just a twinge of
envy. It can all look so effortless to
us, but just think of all the hours of practice that are required to reach a
high level of achievement (let alone Olympic standard).
We can’t all be Olympic athletes or great
performers, but each one of us has our own unique gifts. Each year the Mothers’ Union has a theme.
This year it is “Your Gift? Discover and
Celebrate”. Christians believe that God
gives different gifts to each one of us; it would not do if we were all
alike. St. Paul compares the Church to a
body with many parts. He says the Holy
Spirit gives different gifts to members of the Church, so that each may
contribute to the whole. These gifts are
not meant to be kept to ourselves, but shared so that all may work together, supporting
and encouraging each other, as we try to do Christ’s work in the Church and in
the world. Like athletes, musicians,
artists and actors, we need to practise, and to exercise our gifts from God so
as to make the best use of them. However, it’s important to remember that,
whether we are very talented, potential gold medallists, or nowhere near the
same league, we are precious children of God, whose love for us is constant,
irrespective of our achievements.
So as we enjoy the Olympic Games, could we also
take a moment to think about and give thanks for our own unique gifts, and to
encourage someone else whose gifts may be different from ours? Discover, and celebrate your gifts, and think
about how you can practise them and use them.
With
my love and prayers
Glynis
Hetherington
