On Faith
Paul Brennan
The rat I was given in New Guinea's jungle -- to be eaten in the presence of my benefactor -- was no gift to me at all! I gagged and choked in front of the fire, and somehow was able to swallow the stringy, smoking meat. All the while, my village host smiled approvingly. In his culture rats were a delicacy and I, as his guest, deserved the best, thank you very much!Have you ever been given a gift that you detested but had to accept and make some gracious comment about because of social obligation? We all have. Appreciating the significance of a gift across cultural boundaries must be a universal challenge.
The art of giving and the art of receiving are both parts of the same coin. Christmastime is not the only season when we become aware of this dilemma. In church it's no problem: I drop my money into the offering plate, and no questions are ever asked, no alternatives are ever conceived, no hesitancy ever occurs on the part of the giver or the receiver.
Money is always the safe commodity exchanged in our consumer economy. But there are times when a more personal gift is required. My flowers usually are genuinely appreciated, but a few times I've seen them thrown away soon after I've gone. My woodcarving or lathe-turned bowls may appeal to my sense of beauty, but there were times when I knew they became objects for the next rummage sale.
The Scriptures give some help. James informs us God's gifts are invariably good: "Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven." Paul encourages us to "give not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver."
That last part in the original Greek language says literally, "the hilarious giver." My English dictionary suggests that kind of giver is "exhilarated and mirthful." This kind of giving, in other words, enlivens and gives vigor to the spirit, both for the giver and receiver.
My wife and I had just that experience during a trip to Seattle. Browsing in art shops, we were looking for a piece that would be a memorial to our foster son who left this life at the age of 19. We visited a glass shop where three men were creating an elaborate vase. In our conversation with one of the artists, he became genuinely interested in our quest and in our role as foster parents.
During this extended conversation, Dottie would bring one piece and another of glass art from shelves. Finally she found one she really favored. "This is it," she said, cradling it with both hands, "It's only $140."
The artist seized it from her and disappeared with it. When he returned, it was carefully wrapped and he handed it to us, his gift. Tears came to his eyes as he said, "You have such good energy." Soon all three of us had tears as we shared abundant hugs. What we wanted to purchase, we now had been given, freely. We treasured his work and he treasured ours. We had moved from client to friends.
That's the way with God's gifts, completely free, perfect, hilarious, enlivening the spirit. And to think that God invites all into that special cycle ... which always produces friends.
The Rev. Paul Brennan is pastor of First Chinese Church of Christ.
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