Letting Our Light Shine

This week I have been reflecting on the many vocations we carry across a lifetime.

When I look back, my own path has taken some unexpected turns. In the first half-century of my life, I have lived into many vocations — from performer to speechwriter, musician to hospitality worker, small-business owner to community advocate, communicator to fundraiser — and eventually, seminary student and pastor. That is not a straight line. It is a reminder that most lives are not.

We all live into many vocations over time. Some are paid roles. Some are callings we never put on a résumé. Some arrive by choice. Others arrive by necessity. Through all of them, God continues to shape us, equip us, and invite us to share the gifts we have been given.

I see those gifts alive and well at Grace.

I am grateful for those who share the gift of hospitality and cooking, making fellowship warm and joyful. For skilled carpenters who crafted our beautiful pulpit. For artists who help our worship space reflect the seasons of the church year. For those with gifts in finance and administration who steward resources wisely. For musicians who offer their talents in worship. For caregivers who tend to the young and the old. For teachers, organizers, planners, and those who work patiently and persistently for justice and systemic change in our community.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that we are not meant to hide our light, but to let it shine so that the world may see the good that is being done and give glory to God. The apostle Paul echoes this, teaching that the Spirit gives a variety of gifts, not for our own sake, but for the building up of the whole body.

I believe every one of us has been given gifts to share. And I am deeply grateful for the many ways those gifts are offered, week after week, in the life of this congregation.
May we continue to notice the Spirit at work among us. May we encourage one another to use what we have been given. And may we let our light shine through all our varied talents, in service to God and to one another.

See you in church!

Peace, Love, and Grace,

Pastor Kevin