I’m incredibly blessed. I can watch the squirrels creating chaos in my bird feeder and not think about shooting one so I’ll have something to eat that day. I can leave the water running while I brush my teeth and know that I won’t have to walk to a community well for more. I can openly voice my opinions and vote without worrying that I’ll be arrested as a woman who doesn’t know her place in society or doesn’t support the existing regime. I live an incredibly comfortable existence, in good health and moderately secure financially.
But to whom much is given, much is expected – Luke 12:48.
I was given a passion for flowers and an eye for color and design. A few years ago, David Diggs, my partner in crime, and I were up in the church attic when we discovered two dusty, dirty bedraggled arrangements of formerly white silk flowers. I asked one of the Altar Guild members what in the world we have those things for. The response was “Oh, if someone has a memorial service and there are no flowers provided, we use those.” David and I looked at either and mutually vowed, “Never again. Not on my watch.” So one of the fundamental principles of the Flower Guild was established. For every memorial service at the Fig, there will be fresh flowers on the altar regardless of circumstances.”
To whom much is given, much is expected.
If you noticed during the Eucharist, members of the altar party frequently bow to each other. We acknowledge the spirit of Christ in the other person. The mission statement of the Fig is “seeking and serving Christ in all persons.” If I truly honor that vow, then I have a holy obligation to commit my support with my time, whatever talents I have and my financial resources. It’s a sacred promise that I make to God, in humility and thanksgiving for all the undeserved blessing I have. And every year during the stewardship campaign, I think about what I have and make that financial commitment.
To whom much is given, much is expected.