THE GIFT

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...according to the proportion of faith. Romans 12:6a-c. (KJV)

My sister, Barbara, visited me and wanted to see my book of poems. She said to me, "I want a gift like yours."

"If you really want a gift, then pray and ask God to give you one," I told her. "God hears and answers sincere prayers. Ask Him. He is a good, generous, all-loving God."

Three weeks later Barbara called, very excited.

"Evelyn, I was in the shower when words began forming in my mind. Realizing that God was telling me something, I asked Him to wait until I dried off and then grabbed a pencil and paper. When I finished writing, it was a poem! I wrote my first poem!"

"That's great, Barbara," I said, excited for her. "Read it to me." By this time my tears had begun to flow.

She read her poem. It was truly beautiful. God answered Barbara's prayers because she had been sincere and wanted to write for His glory. What a wonderful gift for her.

During the next eight years Barbara called to read me every poem she wrote, asking my help if she was stuck or wanted a better word to end a line. I never hesitated to help Barbara and was so proud of her efforts. One of the poems was put to music and her church sang it every week. She was humbled by the love they showed.

Father, thank You for the opportunity to help Barbara with her gift. She was so grateful You allowed her to praise You in poetic form. She gave Your gift back to You forty-two times before You welcomed her Home. Amen.

© 2016 Evelyn B. Ryan