Add a video
Part 1
Hey Friend,
Today I want you to think about what you like, what you’re good at, what skills you’ve learned to be great at.
Is there something you’re really good at, and you love? Have people made comments that this same thing is your gift? I believe we all have gifts to give to others, to the world. I believe we were created to live in community and impact the lives of others around us, as well as be impacted by others.
What do you think may be your gifts? Is there something that you wish was your gift, but you’re not sure? Sometimes I think people have this great expectation of what a gift looks like and because of that, many gifts are overlooked. Gifts are big and small, they’re things we do, the presence we bring, the action we exemplify. And this huge world full of variety needs the mish-mash of gifts we all have to offer. Many people just enjoy baking or helping or gardening and don’t think of it as a gift, yet when we use it to bless others, it can be.
It is easy to compare ourselves to others. Naturally we compare. And we need to appreciate differences. We can celebrate other’s strengths and still be proud of our own strengths. We do not have to yearn for, and fight to have the same ‘noble’ strengths that are highly esteemed in society or in our culture (even when your culture is just your family unit). It’s not self-centered or arrogant to recognize what you are good at. It is healthy, it is good to be proud of your strengths, be proud of your gifts.
So, make some lists. Come up with 10 things you like, 10 things you’re good at. Put a star by the top 3 things you feel you are great at. And circle the first one. This starred, circled item just may be your gift to the world. It may be your gift to the family.
We touch those closest to us first, and then in ripple effect, we do touch the world. We can’t all be center stage world-changers, yet we can be in our home world changers, life changers. And that’s where I suggest you begin. You’re not doing any one any favors by keeping your gifts to yourself! Others need your gifts; their lives will be better for it!
Yes, your life makes a difference and you make other people’s lives better. Just by being you. You are uniquely you, and you have gifts to give, a purpose in this life.
Read over those sentences as many times as you need to begin believing it is truth.
You were created for life, for living, for loving.
As you’ve taken a look and listed out the things that you’re great at, and recognized something that could be your gift, begin to think about how you might start giving it.
If you are having a difficult time coming up with a list of things you’re good at or things that you like, ask those around you.
Your family, significant other, friends, coworkers, they will likely be able to give you valuable feedback about how you show up to them. Sometimes our actions are clear to others yet not to us. And if you’re struggling with depression at all, it will be all the more difficult to see the good in yourself.
You may take a couple days to compile your lists, new things might come up as you go through your day.
Know that you are loved. Your creator loves you, and there are people around you that love you as you allow them in.
Have fun with it!
Truth Section
“Different is good. So don’t fit in, don’t sit still, don’t ever try to be less than what you are.” -Angelina Jolie
“Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with Love.” -Anonymous
“Don’t trade your authenticity for approval.” -Anonymous
No one can make you happy until you’re happy with yourself first. -yourpositiveoasis.com
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” -Anonymous
You are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14
Let’s get unlimited!