“A Unique Gift – A God Impression”
At the dinner table in front of each of us was a 12 inch high sculpture of an angel. The angels were so beautiful we couldn’t help admiring them. We noticed that each angel on the table was different. One had larger wings, or was a different color or wore a different style of clothing but each angel was unique.
After dinner, Bishop Kammerer announced that the angel in front of us was a Christmas gift from her. Two years ago, she asked an artist friend to design and craft the angels. Each one would be a work of art and a gift of love. Each angel would be unique as we were unique.
During worship earlier that day, Bob Parks shared that as a child he stuttered. The problem was so severe he was afraid to speak out loud. Yet every year he was asked by his church to be in the Christmas pageant. Every year he was asked to read the same passage of Scripture. Through the years, God would help him gain more confidence so that he would eventually become a preacher – stutter free.
Just like the angels we are unique. Each of us has a story. Each has a ministry that offers the chance to leave a lasting impression on others.
A God Impression.
Joni Eareckson Tada asked in one of her devotions: Have you ever played with Silly Putty? One of the most interesting aspects of the putty is the way it will copy pictures out of a magazine. Press the clay against the picture and the impression of the picture will be left on the clay.
Then Joni goes on to say: “A God Impression” is a way of pressing your life up against someone else’s for a brief moment so that when you peel away — you’ve left a God impression on that person.
Colossians 4:5-6 says much the same thing: “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
- “Live wisely” – is a reminder that the God Impression you live is not just about speaking.
- “Make the most of every opportunity” – God will usually give you one every day.
- “Let your conversation be gracious” – We remember those who are gracious.
- “So that you will have the right response for everyone.”
The right response is our “God Impression.”
Bishop Kammerer’s thoughtful gift was a right response that left a “God Impression” on each of us.
Bob Parks being able to overcome his stuttering to become a preacher was a right response that left a “God Impression.”
Live wisely.
Make the most of every opportunity.
Let your conversation be gracious.
So that you will have the right response for everyone.
Every time I see the angel that was given to us, I will remember Bishop Kammerer and her gracious encouragement.
Every time I see Bob Parks, I will remember how he overcame obstacles.
“A Unique Gift – A God Impression”
Amen.
