What God gave me...

Today at work, I was kidding around with a co-worker and she told me that it was a good thing God gave me patience. My reply was, "God gave me lots of things, but it is my choice as to when I use them." Then, I started thinking...Rocky tells me I get a funny grin on my face when I do that. Apparently the smile and brain work simultaneously. Or at least when I get into "my mode". You and I both know you have many talents, even those we really do not want others to see or want to acknowledge. Regardless if those talents are used for good or bad, we choose when we use them. We choose to smile at strangers and wish them to "Have a Great Day" when we pass them along the trail at 5:30am. We choose to give a waiter a little extra in their tip because we overheard them talking about a new baby on the way. We choose to give away our talents, freely and unconditionally, because that is why God created us. My job includes service and I use the word serve when I talk to clients and their parents. I use it when I talk to co-workers or people that need a little direction to find what they are looking for. I serve my family, my friends, my church, and my community. I serve you, the readers of this blog that has now taken on a meaning that is so much more than a couple of random thoughts here and there. I choose to use this talent for you. I have to admit...I am always surprised when people tell me they read what I have to say. Not that I believe that it isn't important or that they don't get something from it. In no other way to explain it, I guess I have to say that it truly humbles me. God has a plan for each of us and we have to let him drive the bus, even if His destination is not where we think we need to go. If you do that, you might as well pack for a vacation...but you have no idea of what to bring because you do not know where you are headed. For years, I thought I had to have it all figured out. I needed to know the end destination before I got the ticket. Then, I could pack and prepare for where the ticket would take me. 20 months ago, I gave that up. Not because I had to, but because I was ready to receive it then. Are you ready to receive it? What has God given you that you don't use? Why don't you use it? Because it is easier not to? (How many of you picked that as your answer? - Be honest!) BE YOU! God created you with many talents and skills - you cannot serve the world or those closest to you when you hide them. What is the point of having the most beautiful flower bloom if no one ever sees it? I am grateful everyday for what God has given me and I show my appreciation when I use those gifts for people. That is how I serve Him.

NEVER apologize for talent!

I heard this said last night in a play I took my mom to celebrate her birthday. I didn't have a pen with me, so every so often I would try to remind myself of this so I would remember it so I could tell you about it now. NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR TALENT! I used to do that all the time. I still struggle with attention (of any kind) that I receive because of something that I do well. We all have talents. We all have different talents from each other and some are the same or similar. I do not like to even point out if I am good at something and will deflect any way I can. But here goes. Not anymore. This...here, today...is one of my talents. I can write. Maybe, somedays. Oh, wait. I am not allowed to say that. Moving on...something brings you all here however often you come and whatever you get from my sharing life with you. I told someone once that I love being able to "plant the seed and walk away". That is what I do here. I get you to think about a different way of thinking and maybe encourage you to change your life. For the good forever. I also have a talent for talking (I tell my husband that the gift of gab is a true gift) to people and it has been mentioned to me that when I get into the "mode", it is neat to see. Told you before, never seen it, but I guess it happens. Here is the absolute best part about when you can identify and use your talents...you don't have to think about them. They just happen, naturally. They are who you are and define where your passions are. I also have learned where my talents are NOT. I am learning how to be better in those areas that I struggle in and seek out those people that have strengths there. I have to let them help me. I cannot do it alone. God knows I have tried. I have not failed in doing so, but can do so much more with knowledgeable people by my side. Where do your talents lie? Do you use them? Do you want to use them? How do we get you to harness the energy that is behind those talents and get you moving towards changing your future? I used to feel awkward and silly when I would receive a compliment about playing well in one of my games, or getting good grades, or being told that I can show others the "light." I didn't believe it. Yesterday, I was asked to make a list of those women that I have somehow touched and influenced, even if I didn't think I did. I thought the list would be short - I guessed that I could count those people on one hand, maybe two. Right now, that list stands at over two dozen. This blog is read by people in 28 different countries. It started with a few close friends knowing how to get here. One of my talents is to write. Thank you for letting me share my talent with you!