Put it into circulation
I have always had poor circulation. As a child, skating was always a problem as my toes would be frozen within 2-3 minutes. In elementary school in gym class I remember the day I saw that my toes were yellow and blue. It freaked me out. I honestly thought they would fall off. As an adult this didn’t change, but became more frequent as I would end up with yellow/white fingers. It turned out that I have raynaud’s disease which is a condition where blood flow to the fingers and toes is temporarily reduced, often triggered by cold temperatures or stress. Good circulation is important for one’s body, and it is important for a community of faith too! How you might ask?
Eric H. F. Law wrote a great book called Holy Currencies which talks about 6 different currencies that keep a community of faith healthy and vital. When we hear the word currency I think that most of us associate this with money, but currency is anything of value that can move from one person to another. This got me wondering, what am I carrying that has value but isn’t circulation? In the United Church we believe that we all have something to offer, such as time, relationships, experience, a skill, a story, encouragement, leadership, space, or money. Thank God we don’t all have the same gifts, nor are we expected to do everything for everyone. But we are human and so we often end up focusing on what we lack. Maybe we believe that we do not have enough volunteers, money, time, or leaders. But what if some of what we need is already here, but simply not in circulation?
Gifts become blessings and become valuable when they are in circulation. A small contribution can start something bigger: time creates relationships; relationship builds trust, trust opens possibilities for deeper connection and participation. Jesus invited people to offer what they have. Jesus invites us to offer what we have. The question then isn’t, “Do I have enough?” but rather “What do I have that I am willing to share?”
Where has the flow of circulation been cut off, like my cold fingers? What do I have that I could put into circulation to help? I have always loved the prayer that is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi that says: “For it is in giving that we receive.” In Peter’s first letter 1 Peter 4:10-11 it says: “Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well. If you have the gift of speaking, preach God’s message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honour to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen.” This invites us to reflect on the question, “What would happen if you put your gift into circulation?” It has been said that a gift kept to ourselves is something we possess. A gift put into circulation becomes a blessing.
Perhaps healthy communities of faith, like healthy bodies, need good circulation. When our time, compassion, wisdom, resources, and relationships begin to flow between us, the whole community becomes stronger. So rather than asking, “What more am I supposed to do?” Perhaps we can ask, “What do I already have that I could put into circulation?” It doesn't have to be big. It simply needs to be offered. Put your gift into circulation and see what God might do with it.
Blessings, Rev. Karen