My son is only 2 years old, but I already see glimpses of the special gifts God has placed in him. He is fascinated with things like machines and tools. He loves to build with Lego’s and is always trying to figure out how things work. When he speaks, he speaks with passion {which I must add is incredibly adorable coming from the mouth of a 2 year old}. He has a sharp memory and is learning so much every day. He is a very active and strong little boy {sometimes he even overpowers me!}.
My son is a special little piece of God’s creation. My prayer is that my Husband and I would encourage and support the gifts that we see in our son. That we would give him opportunities to embrace the things he is good at and enjoys. My greatest hope for him is that he will grow to know and love Jesus, and that he will become the man God created him to be.
As I dwell on the gifts I am beginning to see in my very own little boy, I am reminded that God has planted gifts in each and every one of us—Gifts that He wants us to use.
Maybe it’s cooking, playing a sport, taking photos, singing, fixing things, encouraging others, public speaking, homemaking, writing, being a good listener, tending to children, creating art, being hospitable, designing things, sewing, caring for animals, playing a musical instrument, teaching…the list could go on for pages and pages.
We each have something special to offer to this world and God filled each of us with a little part of Him. The way I like to think about it is how we often compare children to their parents. “She has her mom’s sensitive heart and her dad’s dark hair. He has his dad’s funny personality and his mom’s eyes.” God is our Heavenly Father, making us His Sons and Daughters. We each reflect a little piece of Him.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” {1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NIV}
It is not boastful to be good at something, but God does not wants us to become arrogant either. He simply desires for us to embrace our unique talents and characteristics. He wants us to let our gifts shine because when we do, HE shines through us.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” {1 Peter 4:10, NIV}
Maybe you feel like you are not good at anything. Maybe you spend too much time comparing yourself to others—I have fallen into that trap before too.
I would encourage you to…
Stop. Pray. Ask God to show you who you are.
Ask Him to show you what your gifts are. You might be surprised what you find out.
The more content we are with ourselves, the easier it is to appreciate the gifts in other people. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we can compliment others and admire the good things in them. Doesn’t that sound like a more peaceful way to live?
We all have something to offer, so let your gifts shine!
(C) 2013 Pocketful of Motherhood
*Photo from MorgueFile
Pocketful of Motherhood 