Most of the time, we think of our gifts—our contributions to the body of Christ and to the world—as those abilities we’re born with, or the abilities bestowed on us by the Holy Spirit. We’re born with a gift of artistic expression; the Holy Spirit gifts us to teach or to show hospitality.
Some gifts, though, come to us out of necessity. We learn how to care for physical and medical needs when a family member goes through cancer treatment. Ever after, we will be more comfortable around medical equipment and situations—which may put us in a position to minister to others.
Some gifts come to us as opportunities. While coaching a daughter’s soccer team, we become part of a little community that revolves around the team. Before long, we are able to offer friendship and its gifts to people we would not even know except for our connection to our child’s sport.
This week, look back over your history of the past few years. What gifts developed in your life because they were necessary? What do you know how to do that you never dreamed you would learn?
And what opportunities—situations and friendships—have opened up your life so that its gifts have a wider range of influence? Of course, this goes both ways; you don’t do all the giving but also receive gifts and graces from other people. For now, though, concentrate on how your own gifts have been developed.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I learned how to change & maintain a tracheostomy tube and a gastrostomy tube because of absolute necessity. If I were 30 years younger I would go take classes to become an RN…
I also learned how to catalog books as part of a job.
I learned the basics (over 2 years of classes) of being a spiritual director.
I’ve relearned how fragile children’s egos are in taking care of my grandkids.
Right now I just want the gift of knowing I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing and somehow learning (at age 67) what I’m supposed to do when I grow up!! To whit, I’m reading Joan Chittister’s book, Following the Path…unfortunately, I still don’t know the “supposed to be” answers!!
Vinita, thanks for directing us to reflect in this way. The most painful experience that I have endured occurred about ten years ago and through this God has taught me a great deal that has opened up areas of ministry that I would never have imagined. This experience also meant that I would be moving to a new community and a few years later I was received into the Catholic Church. This community of faith has changed my life in an incredible way and I am so grateful to our Lord for the painful situation that became the catalyst into a new life.
Thanks, Vinita. I forwarded this reflection to my adult children, who probably never realized what they have and what they do are gifts from God. Gifts He gives out of intense love for them.
I have learned to see God in people, a gift to me out of necessity. I have learned that people will help, but I have to be humble enough to ask. I pondered where God was in my beauty salon. He is there in the beauticians who make us beautiful on the outside, and the beauty within finds expression. These beauticians are the most kind and nurturing women I have found all under one roof. God is good.
When I was asked by our former pastor to think about helping out with the Environment Committee at our church, I didn’t even know their was a ministry that was in charge of creating a prayerful and inspirational environment inside the church sanctuary. I have been in charge of this ministry at our parish for two and a half years, and it has been amazing learning about the symbols and the meanings of the colors and other parts of our liturgy. Through this committee I met Cathy, who has become one of my dearest friends. We have been blessed with being a part of this ministry which touches all with whom we share the Mass in our parish. I never thought of myself as someone with the skills to do this creative job but the Holy Spirit gives us ideas all the time, and I have also learned that I have leadership skills of which I was completely unaware. I’m glad I listened and said yes.
How do you create a prayerful and inspirational environment within the church building? Can you go into some detail, like one instance, of what you actually did/changed inside the building? I am very interested in this kind of ministry and would appreciate some of your input. It sounds so great to do this.
Vinita, a note of gratitude to you is long overdue. Your prayerful reflections touch the lives of many people….your prayers are forwarded…to adult children, and to others in need of the message contained through the Holy Spirit speaking through you. Last evening, your reflection on Psalm 39 was used to help a group of women in our Parish to focus on the gift of one day in our lives. The reflection led us to the Examen, followed by deep sharing regarding where we found God in the midst of the muddle and jumble of a day. To Helen and Linda, we gathered around a battered coffee table, saved from bulk recycling. The table would not be recognized…covered with a beautiful tablecloth, and adorned with The Word, fresh flowers, candles, and a crucifix.
Vinita, may God continue to bless you, and all at Loyola Press for the manner in which you are helping souls to grow closer to our Loving God. These souls are very grateful for the healing and inspiration contained in your messages!
Maureen, thanks so much for your post. It’s encouraging to those of us here at DDF and Loyola Press when people let us know how our materials have helped. Continued blessings on you and that coffee-table community.–Vinita
Mea Culpa: Psalm 139 was the inspiration for the reflection!
Vinita, thank you, for your kindest words. Your comments inspire me to reflect on all of the tables that we gather around in our daily lives….the kitchen table, the coffee table, and the Eucharistic table. Invariably, the end result of these meetings leads us to: mission…and those “gifts” come in very handy at that moment! It is good to pause, and think about this…thank you, again!