A reflection on using your gifts and trying something new by Michael Houff, Leadership Board Member

September 2025 – I remember a family dinner when I was in second grade. Green beans were on my plate. Yuck. In my stubbornness, I sat at the table the rest of the night staring at those green things. I went to bed without dessert and felt like I had achieved something for not having given in to eating those beans. My parents had me sit there not as a punishment, but rather to help me learn to expand my palate and making healthy choices. I say this as an adult thinking I would have told myself to just eat those beans. They’re good for you and you’ll learn to appreciate them over time. Learning to appreciate healthy food is in anyone’s best interest. Who would guess I eventually turned out to be a foodie? Green beans are still not my favorite.

Our Fall Spiritual Trail Guide has a smattering of green beans for all of us, as well as chicken, rice, and the occasional ice cream. One might think that volunteering for a mission project helps those in need. ” I’ll stare at my plate and hopefully someone else will deal with it.” In reality, helping others helps us understand Christ through service. One might want to stay in one’s bed on Sunday morning to avoid the latest class before church service (those brussels sprouts are getting cold). In reality, there is so much more to learn from extracurricular Bible studying and getting insights from a faithful community.

I encourage you to consider getting involved with what’s on the menu in this guide. It is because of you and for you that we have the chance to grow healthily in Christ through joyful gathering, determined service, lifelong learning, courageous inclusion, and…… and…… what’s that other one on my plate again?