Water to Wine

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days. John 2:1-12

There are people in my life who have helped me see my gifts when I could not. They push me to try when I have given up. Often times, it has been a member of my family. I remember call my minister Dad with fear and trepidation. I told him I had a sense of call and then quickly suggested I get a masters in Christian Education. He told me that if God were calling me, I was to respond and that God would give me what I needed to make it through. I doubted myself and thought I wasn't ready. He could see what I couldn't.

We read the story of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana. His mother pressures into using the gifts he has. Although Jesus pushes back against his mother, telling her it is not his time, he quickly moves to using his gifts and skills as asked. We like to think of Jesus as all powerful. Sometimes we forget that he was a man, and someone's son. Capable of all the anxiety and doubt we know, fully human with all human frailties. His mother gave him a push, and despite his own push back, gave in and began using his gifts. We fear and trepidation we use the gifts we have been given, trusting that in relationship with God, we will be given what we need for the time.

Today I want to give thanks for all the people who have push and encouraged me when I didn't think I was able. May we take time to remember those people who saw our value when we could not. May we remember that there are people around us who need a push and that encouragement today. And there is a world waiting to be touched and fed by their unique gifts.