This column has featured quotes from a variety of books of the Bible, but never one like this one: “I am what I am, and that’s all that I am.” For those of you who never misspent their youth watching cartoons, that is from the Book of Popeye (the sailor man).
I was reminded of the cartoon sailor’s motto as I thought about the guys in a church group that I have belonged to for nearly five years. There are a number of very good singers, but one guys stands out for both the strength and musical quality of his voice.
There are others who are excellent speakers. One memorable one could speak as entertainingly and as relaxed from the pulpit on a church altar as he could to a small group of close friends at an informal gathering.
Every one of the couple dozen men in the group puts me to shame when it comes to serving his church, living his faith, doing good works and helping those who need help the most.
As I spoke to our spiritual director about these talented, humble and faith-filled guys, I admitted that I could not come close to them and their talents in so many areas. All I can do is do my best. I’m not great at anything, but what I can do and say might be just what another person needs at that particular time.
If I can’t do that, at least I can pray for the person. That’s something we can all do. God made each of us unique and that particular uniqueness is enough to carry out His work and do His will. I am what I am, but that might be what is needed.
God has given each of us gifts that we can give to others.
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