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“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will”
(1 Corinthians 12:8-11) “What can I do?” Have you ever asked yourself that question? Have you ever found yourself not knowing what to do with your time? Have you ever wondered how you might contribute to those around you? I love to speak in front of an audience; I love to teach; I love to write; I love to sing (though my family won’t let me, and if you ever heard me sing, you’d know why). So, how can I help? I could teach, but how? I could stand up in front of an audience, but where? I could write, but to whom? Well, I solved the first one by offering my services to the YMCA of Hong Kong, leading a teen group in religious debate and on a music mission to an elderly home. I have to say, it was a learning experience for me and I’m glad I had the time to be with them. What about standing up in front of an audience? How does one gather an audience? Believe it or not, there are audiences right here in church. I contacted a priest and told him I’d like to present a session to the Life Teen group at Rosary Church. The idea was accepted, and I spent about an hour discussing “Self” with them. It has since gone a step further, as I have the pleasure and privilege of reading during Mass. First Reading, Second Reading, Responsorial Psalm, I love being up there and sharing with the congregation. But what about writing? I’ve tried writing books, but they continue to be works in progress. I’m still trying to figure out my audiences there. Surely there must be something I could write that would benefit people. Then I opened the Sunday Examiner and there was my answer. A quick email to the publisher, and I was soon on my way. It might be a favourite passage from the Bible that inspires me, or something I hear in a sermon, but whatever it is, it triggers a memory that I can then write about. Hopefully, you find it beneficial to you. And what was the secret to getting involved like this? Simply taking a small first step. I wrote to someone and presented an idea. The worst they could have done was say “No”, but they didn’t. The YMCA teens had a wonderful ten weeks visiting the elderly; I’m told the Life Teen group enjoyed my presentation, and I hope to go back for more; the editor at the Sunday Examiner seems to like my writings because they get published; and the church committee continues to ask me to read during Mass. So go ahead, take that small first step. Make yourself known to those who can help you contribute to your community. You might be pleasantly surprised at just how much you have to offer. Published: May 14th, 2006 My Sunday Examiner Articles
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