Thursday’s Musings: Do it Well!

Romans 12:6-8 (NLT) 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

My elementary school class reunion last month brought back many memories. I remember that my parents were strict about studying and grades.  They didn’t expect me to make straight A’s as a matter of course but did expect me to do my best. That attitude has carried me well through life. I enjoy things that I do much more if I can do them well whether it’s bowling, cooking or preaching. Yet doing things well takes a willingness to make the effort.  Jamie Foxx recently shared his experience of making the movie in which he portrayed Ray Charles.  He was excited when during that time he got to play the piano with Ray.  When Jamie hit a wrong note Ray Charles stopped and said, “why did you do that?”  Can you imagine how intimating that would be?  Ray Charles said to Jamie, “You have to take time now to hit the right notes.”  He said that was a good metaphor for life.  We need to take time to do things well and that includes growing in our faith and understanding of the Divine.  Take the time.

Dear God, life can be so hurried. We want to do so many things.  Help us to slow down so that we may do things to the best of our abilities.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a great day!
Paige