William Sidney Porter was a prolific short story writer at the beginning of the previous century. Writing under the pen name O. Henry, he was sensitive, intuitive and experienced in the hard knocks of life.
That sensitivity was displayed when he penned the short story, “The Gift of the Magi.” Having only $1.87 to spend on Jim for her love’s Christmas gift, a new pocket watch chain, Della sells her most prized possession, her beautiful knee-length hair, to a wig maker. Jim, her love, being equally poor, sells his most prized possession, the pocket watch, to buy Della ornate combs for her hair. This story is a beautiful example of sacrificial love, using a prized possession for a loved one’s gift.
God has given us unique gifts to be used “for the common good.” An example of this is the church ladies who gather to “tie one on”—making quilts. These quilters perform a spiritual act of giving, using their gifts sewing quilts to be gifted to the women’s safe house, children’s hospital hospices and community shelters. No one is going to be famous or get rich from this. They give the gift of their talent for “the common good.” What’s your gift?
Lord, help us to use our Spirit-given gifts for others. Amen. —