These gifts we receive
are not “gifts” in the traditional sense
of the word.
A gift should be anticipated,
circled in the catalog months ago,
waiting every day
for the mailman to show up
Up, and up, and up…
transcendent and transformed
by a long-awaited surprise.
But these gifts–
these gifts mean business!
Prophets, speak a word,
but in speaking, you may lose our support.
Teachers, give us knowledge,
but not so much that we begin to change.
Preachers, tell out the Good News,
as long as it’s the “good news” we want.
These gifts from God
are not so much gifts, as they are a charge–
to change the world,
to challenge our expectations,
to choose a pathway
and to walk there,
precariously,
all the way.
God is faithful!
(Of this I am sure.)
And the faithfulness of God
will sustain.
