If someone were to ask you to make a list of your gifts – of those things you are good at and enjoy – how long would it take you to write it? What would have been your answer when you were ten years old? If you grew up playing sports (and loved it), do you still find time to play? If you loved playing an instrument, when did you last play? What are we doing with the gifts God has given us?

For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (Matthew 25:29)

It is easy for us to lose a part of ourselves as we grow up. And I am not talking about the childish things we are meant to grow out of but about genuine gifts intended to bring us, and others, joy. As life piles up responsibilities upon us, it is easy to allow the things that bring us joy to get buried under all the weight. Yet, this is not how we are meant to carry our cross. In Christ, we can find abundant life regardless of the circumstances life throws at us.

We need to live in thanksgiving, which supposes a soul experiencing the joy of the Lord’s gifts and blessings. (Saint Peter Julian Eymard)

The gifts God has given us, the desires he has nurtured in us, are meant for our edification and for building the Kingdom of God. Striving to live a balanced life, enjoying each other, being childlike, and having fun are ways to dispose ourselves to receive the gifts of the Spirit and enter into the joy God has prepared for us.

‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. …Come, share your master’s joy.’

Let us pray:

O God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect)