In very small matters
This past week in D.C. has been incredibly heavy. The tragic plane crash last week was devastating, and many of my friends knew people who lost their lives. It’s heartbreaking to see my city—and my favorite airport—all over the national news for such a sorrowful reason. Last night, as I was heading to see a friend in Alexandria, we drove past the crash site. The sight of tents and emergency vehicles brought me to tears. It’s just so, so sad. Please keep our city in your prayers.
One of the most humbling parables in the Gospels is the parable of the talents (Luke 19:11-27). A wealthy landowner goes away, entrusting his servants with talents—gold coins of great value. When he returns, one servant has multiplied his one talent into ten, another has turned his into five, but the last servant buried his talent in the ground, afraid to lose it. The landowner praises those who invested and grew what they were given, but he is furious with the one who hid his away.
As the landowner says to the man who makes 10 talents, "Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities."
I was praying with this parable yesterday, and it challenged me to think about the “gold coins” in my own life—the gifts and opportunities I’ve been given but sometimes fail to use well. Too often, I find myself longing for different talents or circumstances instead of stewarding what’s already in my hands. Lately, I’ve become even more aware of the areas where I don’t even feel like I have a full talent—maybe just half of one, or even a fraction. And yet, even in those places, I’m asking the Lord, What am I supposed to do with this?
But this parable is uncompromisingly clear:
Every gift, every blessing, every talent, every penny we have is from God—and it is not meant for us alone.
This week, I have been so moved by how people have shown up for one another—how friends have checked in, how our city has rallied together in grief, how first responders and community members have poured out their talents in service. I’m grateful for those who have mourned with those who mourn and prayed for those who need comfort.
Wherever you are, I promise there are people around you who need what you have. As John Paul II said, “The world does not need what women have, it needs what women are.” The world needs who you are—right here, right now.
As we go through the rest of the week, maybe we can ask ourselves—or bring these questions to the Lord in prayer:
What are the talents I’ve been given that I have yet to offer to others?
Where might the Lord be inviting me to love bigger and better?
Where do I need the Lord to provide?
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
In Christ,
Jane
What I'm loving lately:
Big news!!
We are moving over to Substack... starting next week! You don't have to do anything, but I'm excited to use this new platform, for three big reasons:
It's easier to search and find past newsletters (there are 200+!!)
It's easier to connect, comment, and build community
It's easier to share with others!
It's launching next week, but if you want a sneak peek you can take a look here! (also very stoked on the new branding!)
Talks on perfectionism (for a friend, obviously)
OOF these talks totally called me out. Woah. These two talks on the Christian life and battling perfectionism were so good, I know I'm going to need to listen to them a few times before they sink in perfectly (pun intended). Fr. Serby is wonderful.
This weekend, my friends and I had a little "cookbook party" – we all picked a recipe from Molly Baz's Cook this Book and ate together. It was SO fun. As I learn to cook (and to like cooking), it's been so cool to try new fun recipes and get inspired by my friends who are much better cooks than I am. I highly recommend a cookbook party if you're looking for hosting inspiration!
Happy Groundhog Day!
In more hilarity from this weekend (we all needed an upper), I attended the DC Groundhog Day celebration for the first time! It was complete with a taxidermied groundhog. I LOVE weird, local events, and it was the absolute silliest.
Prayer Requests
For those grieving the tragedy in DC
For a friend
If you or a loved one need prayers, just reply to this email or reach out and I'll include them in next week's newsletter!