Kaleidoscope

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith bby the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernments of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NRSV)

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6 (NRSV)

A kaleidoscope is a tube-shaped toy containing mirrors and colored pieces. A person looks into one end of the tube and turns it to view constantly changing patterns. Michael Joseph Hotchkiss, from Virginia, started collecting these toys over 40 years ago because he was fascinated by the seemingly endless variety of designs they created.

Over the years Michael began to realize that the universe itself is much like a kaleidoscope. We can look at the sky to view an ever-changing panorama. God created a vast array of plants, animals, rocks, and people, where there are seldom two exactly alike. How boring it would be if everything were the same! God has gifted us with a vast universe of diverse creations for our pleasure and God's glory.

Prayer: Creator God, help us to appreciate diversity in nature and in the people we meet. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.