This is the second of a series of reflections I hope to offer as part of my service with the Stewardship Ministry at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., where Anne and I are members.

The grace of God pours down upon us like rain falling from the clouds. We cannot, with our wills or desires, squeeze the water from those clouds. We can only turn our faces to the heavens, close our eyes, and be washed by the gentle touch of the showers. Then the waters may cleanse and refresh us like God’s grace.

We cannot command the clouds to bring forth rain, but we can catch the rain in barrels and ponds and use the water to help grow flowers and vegetables. We can take this gift from God and make something more, something beautiful, something that blesses others, something that enriches God’s creation to his glory.

It’s the same with God’s grace as it touches each moment of our lives. He gives us life—at our births—by his grace. He rinses us clean—in Baptism—with his grace. He washes away our confessed sins—in Penance—with his grace. He inspires us—in Preaching—with his grace. He strengthens us—in the Eucharist—with his grace. He sustains us—through our lifetimes—by his grace. He gathers us—when we die—by his grace.

We cannot command God to pour out his grace upon us, we can only see these simple gifts as clouds, full of his grace, and then stand beneath them, humbly and expectantly, with faces upturned and arms outstretched.

Our merciful Father pours out his gifts upon us—first! He creates us, he gives us a lifetime, and he provides for us. He fills the ponds and rain barrels of our lives. And then he invites us to make something from these gifts, something that blesses others and gives him glory.

It’s no coincidence that we use the word “stewardship” both when we talk about soil and water conservation and when we speak of caring for and using God’s blessings in our lives. In each case, we gaze at our reflections in the rain barrels and ponds of our lives, dip our hands into their waters, and then take action to make something of what God has given us.

Where does our Father’s grace flow into our lives? When others look at our stewardship, what does it show them of our “joy and thanksgiving” for gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially our new life in his Son Jesus Christ?

David M. Frye, Stewardship Ministry