A humble woman prays

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

Come they told me, Pa rum pa pum pum

A newborn King to see, Pa rum pa pum pum

The night was silent, except for the beating of his heart. It seemed so loud to him, he wondered if his traveling companions could hear it too. He was nervous to see a king, but he kept walking, holding tightly to his drum.

His heart was about to beat out of his chest. The others were carrying beautiful boxes filled with precious gifts, gifts worthy of a king. He had nothing but his drum, which suddenly seemed an inappropriate instrument to play for king, not to mention a newborn king. If only he had a more soothing instrument, like the harp the shepherd boys sometimes play.

His heartbeat was deafening as he stood before the King. And then Mary nodded. The King’s mother nodded at him. She actually wanted him to play. He raised his sticks and began to tap the first pattern that came into his head, the rhythm of his beating heart.

And so the Little Drummer Boy gave his heart to God. He played his best. He gave his best.

Do we give our best? Do we give it with a joyful heart? Or do we hold it back because it is not as good as someone else can do?

I remember a episode of Little House on the Prairie where Half-Pint was telling her Mom that her essay was not as good as Mary’s. The Mom said “It isn’t suppose to be, it is suppose to be your best.”

God gave each of us a combination of talents that we need to utilize and grow to serve during our journey on earth. Not Mary’s journey or purpose but yours!

We need to stop comparing ourselves to others. We often compare without seeing our light, the light that others see in us. And only seeing the light shining on the gifts of the other person. Don’t hid your light under a bushel!

How often do we feel our gifts are not good enough? We compare ourselves to others, wondering why their gifts seem so much more “useful” for the kingdom. We want to teach like our pastor, or sing like our worship leader. Or maybe we want to share our blessings, but at times, we don’t feel very blessed. We can’t give what we don’t have, but rather than lamenting our lack, we need to look for our “drum,” the one thing that only we can give.

The Way, The Truth and the Light

The truth is God already has teaching like the pastor’s. He already has singing like the worship leader’s. And what He wants, what He can really use, is your heart.

When I first started helping at the church, I was told by a friend, “When you are helping during service and someone says, “I can feel your heart in it”. Keep practicing, you will improve!

Wow. I know she was trying to prepare me. To encourage me but my insecurities, left a voice that speaks every time someone talks about my heart. “You are not good enough.”

God knows how great you are and that with his guidance and nudging, you will serve just like God wants you to serve. With all of your talents, life experiences and heart. Believe in God and his plan.

Seek how you can bless others this season, and in turn bless God. You don’t have to spend money. You just have to give of yourself, of your heart. Just like the little Drummer Boy. Jesus smiled at him. Think of Jesus smiling at you every time you try to help others and showing the heart of Christ. Kind of lights up your heart, doesn’t it?

Let us pray

Oh Lord please show us the gifts that you have given us. Often the world, our insecurities or others will diminish our perceived value of our talents/gifts. Please shine the light on our abilities and how you want us to use them to serve you and others. Glory be to God always! Amen