By Curtis Church

Dear God: I don’t suppose 225 years strikes you as being that old, but I’m moving into middle age and it’s that time of year again - my birthday. May I bring up the subject of gifts?

I’m grateful and pleased for all you’ve given me. I appreciate the: Peace; Prosperity; Prestige; Privileges; and a lot more.

But could you, would you, consider granting me some things that have become critical as I have aged and hopefully matured. This is what I’m talking about:

1. In spite of our prosperity we often lack generosity. Generosity with our money and with our time. Not just the kind that results in a tax deduction but generosity that first alleviates needs.

2. Along with our politeness we must have something deeper, even more fundamental - respect. Respect that is part of our character, natural to us and reacts on a level that gives the benefit-of-doubt and heads off misunderstandings. We need it in our schools and our neighborhoods.

3. We love our diversity. It adds such zest and breadth to life. Would you send a lot more tolerance to go with our diversity of culture, race, lifestyle, opinions etc.? Then soon we can appreciate that which we don’t always understand.

4. One of the gifts that seems to become more and more critical is healing. This is often quite personal because of the way we treat each other and get treated. The stress, forgetfulness and self-indulgence have led to many regrettable decisions. We don’t want to be forced to learn forgiveness and reconciliation under tragedy and disaster.

5. Closely related to healing is how we go about living. Oh for the gift of a caring lifestyle filled with compassion, thoughtfulness or perhaps tenderness. The gift of grace would make the day brighten up. Most of the time we know what to do but the way we do it ruins the effect.

6. Don’t think we just want gifts to improve the homeland. Give us a big shot of concern for others not just in our country but also those outside our country who have needs and burdens we can fill or lift. A concern that results in action and involvement but not meddling.

Some say you have already offered these gifts in plenty. Do we just need the compelling desire to use them? Why don’t you put desire at the top of my list? Remember - it is my birthday. Thanks, The U.S.A.

Church is pastor at Mountain View Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mountain View.