Lemon Meringue Pie

1 Chronicles 29:18 – And now see all these people doing the same, giving freely, willingly — what a joy! (MSG)

I was perhaps eight or nine, and I had returned home from school for lunch. I also remember that it was Thinking Day, and I was wearing my Brownie uniform, as we were encouraged to do on that day.

My father was a shift worker, and since he was working the afternoon shift, our family was gathered around the table to share the main meal of the day. Lemon meringue pie was on the menu for dessert. As Mom was serving the pieces, my brother, who was one or two, asked for a piece. Not knowing if he would like the tart flavour, Mom suggested that Eric try a bit of mine.

"No, I want a piece of my own!" he said defiantly. Mom served him a small slice of pie. Unfortunately, game shows in the late 'seventies often featured someone getting a pie in the face. My brother picked the plate up in the palm of his hand and promptly squashed the pie into my face.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as Mom sponged meringue from my long hair and globs of lemon filling from my Brownie uniform.

Just like the pie, God gives each of us gifts. They may be gifts of music or stewardship, visiting or teaching or praying. Our gift may be being a friend to someone in need, or sharing with the food bank. No matter how small gifts may seem to us, God has given them, and it is up to us to use them as He intends. What is your gift?

Prayer: Giving God, You have blessed each of us with gifts. Show us where the need is greatest, and help us to see where our gifts can be best used. Amen.

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