Some of the members of Dr. Criswell's church told Tony that he was bothering the pastor. Tony came to Dr. Criswell to see if that was true. Dr. Criswell gently said to him, "No, sir, you don't bother me at all. I appreciate what you are doing for me."

When the church built a new activities building, the pastor's study was across the street. On the first Sunday in the new building Tony asked Dr. Criswell if he might walk across the street before him and hold the door open for him. Dr. Criswell told him that would be great. Tony went ahead and proudly held the door open as his pastor entered the church auditorium.

A few days later Tony dropped dead. Dr. Criswell said that maybe it was just wild fancy, but he believed that when he got to heaven, Tony would be there to open the door for him. He couldn't do much, but he did what he could, and he did it to the glory of God.

We have some talented people in this church. Some of them are using their talents in a wondrous way to serve God. There are others who are not as talented. In the Kingdom of God, however, they are truly gifted. They respond to needs as we have them. They give of what they have, and they are discovering the blessing of God upon their lives.

How about you? God has created each of us as unique and special. Each of us has spiritual gifts to offer to God's service. Some of us won't even know what those gifts are until we respond to a specific need or opportunity. Even our most painful experiences can turn out to be gifts. The important thing to know is that each of us has something to offer.

Ron Newhouse