Father, will you accept my small cake of bread?

27th April 2007

Together with my colleagues, i went through a management training course by my executive director this afternoon. The topic was on strengths, weaknesses and talents of ourselves, staffs and children.

Talents ( as defined by my director ) - Whatever you can do repeatedly very well and very fast; something which not many people can do better than you.

“ What is your talent?”

I was taken aback for a moment. I recalled a conversation with a friend. “ Hey Siew Lee, you can't cook, you can't swim, you don't really play sports, you don't drive, you can't sing. What can you exactly do?” What are my talents, my strengths?

I used to think patience is my strength, until i realized how short tempered i can be.
I used to think i am empathic, until i realized how cynical i can get.
I used to think i am caring, until i realized how hardhearted i had became.
I used to think i am loving, until i realized how self – centered thoughts had engulfed me.

Father, what are my strengths? My spiritual gifts? Seriously at this stage of my life, i have got no answer.

She replied, “ I don't have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it – and die.” - 1 Kings 17: 12b

My dear friends, no. I am not slipping into depression. For i know that our Lord has given us different gifts according to His grace. I just have yet to realize mine.

Though i cannot cook, much less bake, i am certain that my Father will accept my surrendered cakes of bread made from my handful of flour and drops oil - smashed, tasteless, half baked, burnt pieces - He will take them All.

Elijah said to her,” Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land. She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food everyday for Elijah and for the woman and her family. - 1 Kings 17: 13 – 15

Father, here are my tiny little pieces of burnt and smashed bread. I am giving them to you. Take it.