You’ve heard me prattle on about this window before. You know the one where the three guys are offering gold, frankincense and myrrh.
I am acutely aware that sometimes I am like the gentleman that has the gold. There are lovely, shiny, sparkly things that I give. There are other occasions where I find myself in the middle of some murky myrrh. The sadness and disappointments of life.
Then there is the Frankincense. The God stuff which is much harder to discern. It is very difficult to see, know and understand when I bring frankincense into someone’s life. A classic example of this are the homilies that I offer. The ones that I am proud of and put a lot of angst into, are the ones that frequently draw snores, not applause. And the ones that I think are flimsy rubbish are the ones that some folk find most valuable.
And perhaps that is the way it’s supposed to be when we offer or try to offer this God stuff to others. It is not supposed to be quantifiable, or tangible or identifiable. And this ‘slipperiness’ is what makes it all the more desirable and attractive. It’s elusiveness will tease us, taunt us and tantalise us further along the path than we had ever dreamed of or planned. If we had been given cool, clear directions to go down this track, in this way and arrive at this destination, then we would probably have said a polite but firm ‘No, Thank you’. But by seducing us into a merry dance, we giggle as we go on our way to slay dragons and conquer death itself. Your wispy incense might seem ethereal but it is all the more potent for that and will always be a fragrant offering to Him and to others.