It's late on Sunday night/ Monday morning. I'm working on a project for Bethany's teacher for this week - it's a tough week in most classrooms. Only a few days left - kids are all excited and worked-up for Christmas - parents are stressed, which puts the kids even more on edge.... so I am cutting and cutting and cutting to help out and do my share.
The other day on Facebook I had a friend make a comment about how busy my schedule is - how there is always something I am working on or responsible for... That used to be very true, but things are a little slower these days - I'm not working in the schools 40 hours a week on top of everything else like I used to do! :) But we still stay pretty busy around here - it's what we do - it's how God made us.
While I am working in the house, whether it is on the computer or cutting paper sacks, I like to have videos playing. Mostly they are background noise - I pick videos I have seen before and use them more like a book on tape or an old-time radio show and listen more than watch. I am currently into a series called 'Lie to Me'. (Thanks, Corey....I love it!) Tonight, while I was watching, the main character said, "You have to realize that your talent doesn't belong to you anymore!!!" Wow. I felt as if I had just been blown over - I really believe the Holy Spirit just 'WHOOSHED' right into me to make a point:
MY TALENTS DO NOT BELONG TO ME
I was created by God and given talents to use. But these talents, these gifts, are not mine - they are God's gifts and talents. He is just letting me use them..... FOR HIM!
I'm crafty. I love to make and create. How often do I use this talent to help someone find their way back to God.
I tend to be insightful. I can often 'tell' what a person is thinking or feeling even if their words are the opposite. How often do I use this gift to help someone find their way back to God?
I have a lot of training for working with children with disabilities. I have a lot of training for working with parents. How often do I use this training to help someone find their way back to God?
Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing with the gifts and talents and opportunities God gives us? We were created by God - we were all once with Him. Finding our way back to Him is the most precious thing that can happen in our lives. Are we sharing that goal, that journey, with those around us? Are we helping others find THEIR way back to God?
I do a little - I like to help out at school because I am drawn to kids - because I have a better chance of finding out ways I can use my gifts and talents to help - because I can cheer and encourage the teachers and staff through small gifts and smiles.
What would it look like if we all used our gifts and talents this way? What if I kept that goal at the FRONT of my thoughts instead of the back of my mind? The line of a song is running through my head.... "What a wonderful world this would be...."
