Stardate 01.19.2026
Two brothers, Cain and Abel, brought offerings to God. Abel brought the firstborn of his flock. Cain brought fruit from the ground. One gift was accepted, and the other was not. That moment—recorded in Genesis 4:3–8—set the stage for the first murder, when Cain allowed jealousy to take root and killed his brother.
I don’t fully understand why God accepted one offering and rejected the other, but I sense it had less to do with the gift itself and more to do with what was going on inside the human heart. Abel brought his first fruits. Cain brought something. Perhaps Cain’s heart simply wasn’t in it.
That story challenges me.
As for me, I’m doing my best to make sure God is first in everything I do—including the gifts I offer. That’s why I’m placing the very first copy of Where in the World is Wilson? into a time capsule that will be sealed inside our house of worship for future generations. Marcie, our director of religious education, is currently collecting contributions from our youth to include in that same capsule.
While that first copy won’t be seen again for many years, my hope is far more immediate. I’m working toward delivering enough coloring books so that every patient who wants one at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital can have one when the book officially launches in a couple of months—on St. Patrick’s Day.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40:
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
My prayer is that this small coloring book bears great fruit for children and families who are seeking comfort, hope, and a reminder that they are seen.
Captain’s Addendum
Spock: “It appears, Bones, that first offerings carry a significance beyond the material.”
Bones: “Spock, I’ve always said it’s the heart that counts… and apparently the timing too!”
Reflecting on that, I’m reminded that when we offer our very best to God and others—whether a first copy of a book, a coloring book for a child, or simply our attention and care—we’re planting seeds. Some may grow slowly, some unseen, but they all have the potential to bear great fruit. It’s a small act of faith with a ripple far beyond what we can measure.
Have a great day.
4 comments:
Best of luck with the book and the coloring books! 🤞
Thank you! I appreciate your encouragement.
And I truly appriciate your writing. I found you in such a completely “random” way, I don’t believe it was random at all. And I feel like I can take so much wisdom from you through your work. To begin with, this daily practice that you do is inspiring already. And the creative, funny little bits at the end. And the 2500 letters to your wife … hat off to you, Michael! You are a role model in a world where the world needs you so much, yet is to closed minded to even see you properly. I pray in time more people get to know you through your words! 🖖
Thank you for this—it means more than you probably realize. I don’t take encouragement lightly, and I’m grateful you found your way here, “random” or not. I’ll keep showing up and writing honestly. I appreciate you being here.
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