The Offering

On Sunday Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open tennis championship final. BBC’s Amy Lofthouse reported: ‘Watching Alcaraz is, for the most part, like watching sunshine personified.

There is a carefree joy in his shot-making; the huge forehand that goes blasting through every surface, the drop shots and volleys that few would dare try.

Then there is Alcaraz himself. He runs around the court with a puppyish enthusiasm, a huge smile never far from his face…’

This weekend, local hotel and restaurant ‘The Wherry’ reported: ‘…our establishment has zero tolerance for any form of disrespect toward our team. Unfortunately, last night an individual behaved abusively toward several of our team members. The situation was handled promptly, and we sincerely apologise to anyone who may have been affected.

…Our team works hard every day to create a welcoming environment, and we deeply appreciate the many customers and guests who treat them with kindness and respect…’

My friend Jack feels pretty useless. He suffers with a variety of medical conditions and needs a dosette box to remind him which medication to take when. A friend explained Jack’s needs to a pharmacist ‘He needs a dosette box because his clock doesn’t always tell the right time.’ I smiled, but sadly it’s an accurate description of his potential mental confusion.

This morning I’ve been reading Leviticus: ‘These, then, are the regulations for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering and the peace offering…’

We all bring our offering… Alcaraz’ offering brings skill and entertainment; the Wherry’s offering brings high-quality service. Jack can’t entertain or serve like he used to; he feels that his offering is useless.

The old carol reminds Jack and me:

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

…the acceptable, the accepted offering of the heart.