My Gifts

Recognizing my own gifts is something I have pondered for a while.  I don't like to pat myself on the back.  I don't like attention or praise.  But I do want to know what the Lord has blessed me with.  By knowing, I will better be able to be the person He wants and needs me to be. 

I believe that we can be blessed with multiple gifts, but we must work on what we have and continue to improve them.  Then we may be fortunate to be blessed with more.  So what do I see as my gifts?

I believe that I love to serve and sacrifice to help other people.  I think that is what being a mom is.  It is a gift that enables moms to do what they do, each and every day.  It is not something I get praised for.  It is something that I am always working on.  It is something that can bless me and my family.

Extending that beyond me and my family, I can serve others.  Whether through my callings or just being aware of what is going on around me, I can use these gifts to help others.  I believe I can assess a situation, see a need and then go to work - not always waiting to be asked.  Whether it is putting chairs away after a band concert, or washing the dishes after an activity or dinner at someone's house, or helping a young mother with small children at the store or in church.  I feel worthy and valuable if I can make a difference for someone else.

The last month I have been working twice as many hours to help out a few teachers who were left suddenly without their aide.  This has required a lot of time and energy on my part.  I quickly assessed what the teacher needed, and then jumped in.  Each and every day I am there, I work hard.  When I go home, I am exhausted.  But I always feel like I have made a difference that day.  Whether for the teacher in providing another set of hands and eyes, or for the children in being that extra set of ears to listen.  I feel a sense of fulfillment when I come home each day. 

My Grandma Priday was an excellent example of service and sacrifice.  Even into her 90's she would take a meal to a new mom, make bread for the new family that moved in, or simply held a small child so a mother could listen.  She was the ultimate servant of the Lord, always serving and doing so in a loving way.  Although she passed away 5 years ago, I still hear from people who have make the connection that she brought them dinner or visited them in a time of need.  Her influence is still felt today.  I hope that as I develop those gifts of mine, I can make a difference for someone like she did for so many.