His face went blank and then a second later panic began to show forth. He quickly glanced at the front pew where the director mouthed the words with great exaggeration. Relief came, confidence once again ruled the day and the shepherd finished with great style.
I am constantly not only grateful but sincerely impressed with how diligently folks strive to be a part of making amazing, transformational worship happen. Acolytes, altar guilds, choirs, Sunday school directors, lectors and those who serve at the altar all so faithfully sharing their gifts for ministry.
“Perfection: admire it, aspire for it, demand it, but don’t require it.” These are the words from the indisputable longest college winning streak coach Geno Auriemma (today standing at 89). I really appreciate this quote as I am often blessed to witness so many who are attempting to do this, all for the greater glory of God.
In this gift-giving season of Christmas I am once again reminded that the real gift is the act of selfless giving out of love. The perfection does not come from what we give but rather from the why and the how.
The shepherd was perfect! Because as actor and dancer Eleanor Powell said, “What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.”
Thanks for sharing your gifts for ministry – perfectly!