Using the Gifts God Gave Us

This weekend’s readings from the prophet Amos and from Jesus’ words in Luke’s Gospel focus on the proper and improper use of the gift of money. We might not think of money as a gift, but everything we have, including money, ultimately comes from God. And our job is to be good stewards of all God’s gifts.

In addition to the gift of money, what other gifts has God given you? Think about that for a few moments. Use a note pad or sheet of paper to start making a list of your gifts. Keep that list on your kitchen table for the next week…and add to it on a daily basis.

Share your list with someone who knows you well and who loves you.  Ask them if they see other gifts that you don’t see in yourself.  And then make it a point to tell them some of the gifts that you see in them.

Of all the gifts on your list, which two or three gifts do you treasure most?  

What gifts do you use on a daily basis?  What gifts do you hardly ever use? At the end of this exercise, thank God for showering you with so many gifts.