Some years ago, I went through the most excruciating crisis of my life. A sudden, wrenching divorce, after twenty-three years of marriage and four children, left me angry, guilty, lonely, and confused.

In the midst of this, I found a new church in which to worship and asked the pastor for anonymity. I just wanted to sit and listen for a while. This caring pastor and his people honored my request, accepted me, ministered to me, and asked for nothing in return.

For years I had worked with media, marketing, and fund raising. From the church's point of view, I was a prime candidate to become a committee workhorse. Instead, I became an object of the love and care of a group of God's people.

Finally, as healing progressed I joined the church and gradually became more actively involved. Today, I have a part in the daily life of that church. But each Sunday as I enter that sanctuary, I realize my value to that group of people is based on who I am, not what I can do.

This experience confirmed a suspicion ...