gifts
Here I Am: Send Me
Jul. 10, 2025 12:00 Filed in: Commentaries
This week's lede is written by Karen Olson, Canon for Ministry.
Here am I! Send me!
I always get a lump in my throat when I hear this plea in Scripture. There is something so audacious, so humbling, and yet so filled with confidence about it.
You might think back to elementary school, when there were those in the classroom squirming in their chairs, and waving their hand in the air..."Oooo pick me, pick me, pick me! I know the answer!" And then those slinking in their seats, willing the teacher to literally not see them and render them invisible.
What if we take that memory (that I'm guessing many of you can relate to), and picture yourself sitting in front of God?
God: I gave you some significant gifts - have you figured out what they are?
Me: Well, I'm really not all that good at anything. I mean, thank you for giving me gifts, but I'm not really worthy.
God: Do you think I wouldn't have given them to you if I didn't think you could do them?
Me: Yes, ok. I get that. And thanks again! Well, you gave me the gift to see other people as they are and to love them, even when it's hard.
God: Very good. And I need you to do that. Today. Tomorrow. Next week. Next year and as long as you live. What else do you see in you that I need you to do?
Me: There's more?!
God: (light chuckle) Yes, my beloved, there's so much more.
Me: How do I know? I don't want to be one of those people that says, "Ooo pick me, pick me, pick me!"
God: (sigh) My child, I need you. Your friends and family need you. How about if I give you a little homework. I want you to say your prayers every morning and ask, "How can I see Jesus in someone else today?" And then spend the day looking - really looking - because Jesus is absolutely everywhere. Before you go to sleep, tell me in your prayers. "I saw Jesus in..."
Me: (wondering)..........
God: The more you see Jesus in others, the more you will see Jesus inside of you. And then you will see your gifts tucked inside and you will know how I need you to use them.
Me: (with quiet confidence) Ok. Here am I. Send me.
Here am I! Send me!
I always get a lump in my throat when I hear this plea in Scripture. There is something so audacious, so humbling, and yet so filled with confidence about it.
You might think back to elementary school, when there were those in the classroom squirming in their chairs, and waving their hand in the air..."Oooo pick me, pick me, pick me! I know the answer!" And then those slinking in their seats, willing the teacher to literally not see them and render them invisible.
What if we take that memory (that I'm guessing many of you can relate to), and picture yourself sitting in front of God?
God: I gave you some significant gifts - have you figured out what they are?
Me: Well, I'm really not all that good at anything. I mean, thank you for giving me gifts, but I'm not really worthy.
God: Do you think I wouldn't have given them to you if I didn't think you could do them?
Me: Yes, ok. I get that. And thanks again! Well, you gave me the gift to see other people as they are and to love them, even when it's hard.
God: Very good. And I need you to do that. Today. Tomorrow. Next week. Next year and as long as you live. What else do you see in you that I need you to do?
Me: There's more?!
God: (light chuckle) Yes, my beloved, there's so much more.
Me: How do I know? I don't want to be one of those people that says, "Ooo pick me, pick me, pick me!"
God: (sigh) My child, I need you. Your friends and family need you. How about if I give you a little homework. I want you to say your prayers every morning and ask, "How can I see Jesus in someone else today?" And then spend the day looking - really looking - because Jesus is absolutely everywhere. Before you go to sleep, tell me in your prayers. "I saw Jesus in..."
Me: (wondering)..........
God: The more you see Jesus in others, the more you will see Jesus inside of you. And then you will see your gifts tucked inside and you will know how I need you to use them.
Me: (with quiet confidence) Ok. Here am I. Send me.