1 Corinthians 3:21-23

So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. - 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 

Dear Jesus,

I could spend a week meditating on what you are teaching us in these words from Paul.  He was helping his flock avoid divisions  by choosing sides with their favorite pastor.  He was telling them that all leaders were gifts to them.  But he went on to say that everyone and everything is a gift from you. He made it hard to be jealous by pointing out that if you let us share life with someone or something, they all are a gift from you.  Ownership in the spiritual sense is living with anything during your lifetime.  That's a mind bender.  My friends and my enemies and everyone in between belong to my life's story and you intended them to make my story unique.  Oh God, thank you for the many ways you have created my story by giving allowing me to share life with so many others.  I'm learning a new appreciation for everything. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Everything and everyone with whom you share life on earth is somehow a gift from God for you.