Misers of Miracles

Frederick Buechner, Christian author, says, “We have within us, each one of us, so much more power than we ever spend, such misers of miracles are we, such pinch-penny guardians of grace.” After reading this a few days ago, I have let it percolate and several random thoughts have resulted.

It is amazing that even when we know and claim God’s love through Jesus Christ, we ignore our hurting brothers and sisters. These times of hurt and pain often seem so overwhelming that we can’t bear to let them be part of our lives. Yet, we are called to bring the redemptive work of the cross to all. We also have the assurance that we can be instruments of God’s grace. Miracles can happen. We have the power.

Too often we reserve this power for special situations and forget the co-worker who needs some help to complete a task, the store employee who needs a smile, the child who needs an encouraging word and the family member who needs a listening ear. Instead of being misers, we can empower each by sharing who we are faithful disciples. We just have to get beyond ourselves.

Amazing grace can prevail. As pilgrims we need to discover ways to freely reveal it with those we encounter along the way.