As a child of the Appalachians who grew up in exile from my native hills and valleys, I was very moved from the first time I heard Aaron Copeland’s Appalachain Suite, which is based on the enigmatic Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts.” Though I am a complicated person, I would like to think that the things I seek for and the principles that I live by are simple and straightforward enough that they ought not to be misunderstood. Likewise, I also appreciate the gifts that others have, especially if they are gifts in areas that I find myself particularly lacking in.

Gifts, when seen in the context of those talents and abilities that we have been given, serve a variety of useful functions. For one, the gifts that we have been given can help us to find our purpose and function in life and institutions. The roles that we best serve and the good that we can best do for others tends to result from being put in a place that fits our own strengths, in environments that help us grow overall without our weaknesses bringing ourselves (or others) down. Recognizing our own strengths helps keep us from feeling despondent and without value.

Likewise, recognizing the talents and gifts and abilities of others helps us develop necessary respect for others. Whenever we meet someone, we ought to think about what good that person can and does provide. Everyone, no matter their struggles or problems, can and does serve a useful and beneficial purpose for others. Those who are newborns can show us how to love and protect those who are innocent and defenseless. Those who are disabled or dying can show us the dignity and grace and bravery in facing the gravest of difficulties. Those who are poor and in need can provide us with opportunities to show generosity. Where we are strong, we are called upon to give of the abundance that we possess to help others, not merely for today, but for a better tomorrow as well. Where we are weak, we are called upon to learn from the skill and wisdom and strength of others, to draw encouragement from their walk even as we seek to become strong enough to help others in our turn.

We are called to become whole and complete, lacking in nothing, a state that ironically enough we cannot attain by ourselves. We are called in ignorance and weakness, but not called to remain in that state. All too often we try to project an appearance of strength and wholeness that we do not posseses, rather than openly admitting our struggles and seeking to overcome our weaknesses and shortcomings and the damages that have resulted through our own errors and the wickedness of others. Maturity and wholeness do not come easily for any of us (certainly not I!), but we are not called to an easy road, but rather for a road as perilous and winding as any found in the hills and valleys of my native land.

We ought not to feel unworthy of our gifts, no matter how simple they may be or how great. Our gifts were not given to us because we were worthy, but because God has something special in mind for us as a part of His plans and His purposes. Included in that is dignity and honor and respect and a place for all of His children. Let us find encouragement in the concern and loving care that He shows for us directly and through His people, and let us also find purpose and meaning in developing the gifts that He has given us for the purposes of building up and encouraging others, so that we all may treasure and appreciate those simple gifts that God has given and bring honor and glory to Him who has blessed us so richly.