"Begin to see your self as gift, love it as gift, from God's hand,
and learn how the neighbor too is a gift,
to himself or herself, and to you."
-Rowan Williams, (Resurrection, p. 38)
Lord knows I need to hear these words from Rowan Williams more often, to remember that my life is gift, and that the neighbor's life is also gift. My good friend Eric wrote a thesis on this concept of gift as Rowan Williams uses it in his theology. I have yet to fully digest his good work, but at this point, this idea of gift is so important, and keeps bringing me back to the embrace of the one who chose me and made me and sustains me and loves me, and also loves all those around me.
Summer is a great time to remember this concept of giftedness, and caring for and spending time with young people is also a great way to remember that we are all gifts, and that we should care for ourselves and others as God would (and does) care for us!
