Scripture: Exodus 31:1-6
The Lord spoke to Moses: See, thumb I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. Moreover, I have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have given skill to all the skillful, so that they may make all that I have commanded you.

Thought for the Day: All of us have unique physical, mental and spiritual gifts. Most of us aren’t like Bezalel, who is gifted with “ability, intellect, and knowledge of every kind of craft,” (unless you’re Prince or Stevie Wonder, I suppose—those cats are amazing). But the fact most of us excel at one or two things just emphasizes how much we all need to work together. Even Bezalel, with his multitude of Stevie Wonder-ish talents, didn’t build the Temple by himself.

God gives skills “to all the skillful” so that we can work in harmony to create a beautiful tribute to God out of every moment of our lives—a tribute made out of love, the way God makes each and every one of us.

Prayer: May I use the gifts you have graced me with, Lord Most Holy, to create works that glorify your loving presence in our lives, whether I am calculating numbers in a spreadsheet, picking tomatoes in a field, composing a new song, or governing a civilization. Amen.