Why aren't God's arms reaching?

Acts 6:1-7 (Try the Inclusive Language version.)

What word of instruction do I hear? Delegate, delegate, delegate. One person cannot do it all, so, when one tries to do it all, important needs go unmet, people get overlooked, and hard feelings develop. And that is so unnecessary! Because there are so many good people in the church and the world who are willing and able and trained to serve. They simply need to be called upon, authorized and mobilized. When that happens, everyone's needs are met, more and more people hear the good news of God's amazing love, and lots more people begin to follow the example of Jesus.

For what would I like to give thanks? I am so grateful to the Conference Youth Council of the Memphis Conference of the United Methodist Church, who took on the superhuman task of distributing a tractor trailer load of sweet potatoes to feeding stations in West Tennessee last week. I am also reminded of the way that the members of Zion United Methodist Church in Brownsville, TN, take turns feeding an elderly couple in their community. Tears come to my eyes as I remember all the many acts of justice, hospitality, and love that I have witnessed. People can do amazing things when they work together as a team!

How am I missing the mark? I am wondering about all the people I have neglected in my ministry. Whom have I overlooked? When have I played favorites and been guilty of discrimination? Whom might I have allowed to continue to suffer simply because I refused to delegate responsibility? Oh Lord, grant me insight and awareness so that I might see the wrong that I have done and continue to do. Forgive me for all of my many failures. Help me to learn from the mistakes of the past and to be a more faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

What makes me angry? Even in a scripture text that is SUPPOSED to be teaching us not to discriminate, women are being discriminated against. (Note, however, that those who were called were appointed to the task of caring for the poor, feeding the widows, taking care of those who were weak and defenseless.)

How is God present in this text? Through God's people! Makes me think of that song by Casting Crowns, "If we are the body, why aren't his arms reaching?"

Most Loving God, I am once again overwhelmed by the great, great love that You, in Your infinite kindness, have shown to me through family, friends, churches, teachers, students and strangers. Use me, O Lord, to share that love with others.