Travel Toys

“…you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.” – 1 Corinthians 1:7

Traveling with children takes strategy. Every trip with our kids includes some kind of toy. The longer the journey the more diverse our cache of toys and activities. We don’t give them all at once. We disburse them methodically over the course of the trip. If the journey is especially arduous, then it’s best for us to have a new toy to use as a last resort. This strategy has served us well and is necessary because of a simple truth; waiting is hard. A flight across the ocean and hours strapped into the backseat of a car is a continual test of patience for a little one. It’s a test of patience for me. It helps to have something to do while we eagerly await our arrival.

In his letter to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul reminds the faithful that waiting is not passive. As they wait for the expected Christ to be revealed they are called to something more than twiddling their thumbs. From the looks of the rest of his letter it seems as though their idle hands led to a few conflicts. And so he reminds them, you have gifts for a purpose!

We have gifts for a purpose!

The spiritual gifts we are given (wisdom, trust, honesty, discernment, encouragement, comfort, organization, service, etc) are not meant simply as distractions or for our own enrichment or amusement. We employ our gifts in order to bless others. And by blessing others with our gifts, the very real presence of Christ among us becomes clear to ourselves and others.

As you journey through life remember, “…the God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.” – 1 Corinthians 1:9 MSG