I think this morning, I will wander away from my homegrown list of prompts. Even as we still have a few days left of this month and year, I think this morning, I will toss in a more broad offering.
If I could give a gift, it would be an understanding of the gifts we possess. Oh yes, we do have gifts, as individuals and as various groups. I think though, that there are times some of us over look those gifts, not recognizing them for what they are. Some, have had the gifts we recognize stolen from us. It is past time for us, and I mean us as in all, to awaken to and grasp the gifts we have been given.
Life
While in honesty, one could look at the suffering of others, and wonder how their life could be a gift. How could a family trapped in a refuge camp, or living homeless on the streets, how could their life be a gift? The individual struggling with addictions. Those who suffer from mental illness, debilitating diseases or trapped in a body with a mind lost to dementia.Yet, life is a gift.
While we struggle through each day, fighting the battles that arise, we may not see it, but life is that gift. Especially for those around us. Think of that Christmas movie, Its a Wonderful Life. George Bailey learned how much of a gift his life had been to an entire town. We do not know, how many others we touch as we make our journey through this life. We do not know how many we encourage through the most simple of acts. We do not know, how many we may give the strength to continue when they had all but given up.
Sometimes, it may be something as simple as a smile, opening a door, or a word of acknowledgement. A moment fleeting for the giver, may last an eternity for the recipient.
Talents
Parents watch their children for signs of what they are proficient. Whether it is a strong sporting ability or artistic. In each of us, there is something we are good at doing. We may not seek to make a career from that ability, but we should still make use of what we have been given. If one has talent in a sport, they could use that talent to help coach a little league team, or help the neighborhood kids strengthen their abilities.
No matter what one is good at doing, that can be used to help others to grow in theirs. It can be used to make the lives of others better as it strengthens the talents of the initial individual. A writer can use their talent for words to bring attention to the needs of those around them or in other places. A musician creates the sounds and songs that can uplift the heart of one who is down. An individual who is talented in playing an instrument can set aside time to teach those who seek to learn and grow their own talents.
But those, are things we already understand to a degree. Yes, we hear daily how life is a gift to be treasured. Yes, we know of those who have talents in various forms of sports and arts. Is there not more? Yes, actually there is.
Something called spiritual gifts.https://www.christianity.com/christian-life/what-are-spiritual-gifts-understanding-the-types-and-discovering-yours.html
The linked article covers them well, so I won’t go into describing them. I think though, and as usual, my writings are my thoughts and opinions gathered over the course of my years and my experiences. So take them as you will.
When we recognize the gifts we have been given and utilize them, we are sharing those gifts with those around us. When we share, we make better. I believe in my heart, that is to be our purpose above all, to make better. And we can do that, not only by using our spiritual gifts but all other gifts as well. When an individual or group use their given musical talents to create something spiritually special, it can uplift and draw others closer to and into their own spiritual experience. It can bring a peace to their heart. When a writer, joins with a musician, and corroborate, their resulting gift can change many attitudes. I believe, it is a matter of understanding the spiritual gifts we have been given, and seeking the best ways to use those gifts. Ways that will bring a light into a darkness. Ways that will create a crack in a wall, allowing light and hope within. Ways that will remove hate, and fill the space with love.
If I could give a gift, it would be the desire to seek those gifts, and an understanding of how to use those gifts in a way that will change the world, one moment, one act, one person at a time.
Words from The Dirt Road 