If I’m given a piece of artwork that just isn’t my style, I can give it away to a friend. If a plastic tchotzke will only clutter my desk, I can put it in the recycle bin, give thanks for the friend who gave it to me, and recommit myself to avoiding clutter. If I receive a book that I love, I can let its ideas and stories shape my own. If I receive something identical to what I already have, I should know exactly how to put it to use. What I’ve learned is that every gift is an opportunity to receive God’s trust and invitation: “These gifts are for you to share. I trust you’ll know what to do.”
This excerpt is from “The Gift of Receiving” by Emma Crossen, in the December 2014 Gather magazine. Today we remember Mary Magdalene, apostle.
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