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When the Gifts We Receive are not the Gifts We Desire

February 11, 2013

Have you heard the song that goes, “You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need?” If not, you have missed out on a classic by The Rolling Stones. Those specific lyrics apply to so much in life. Does it not seem that we always want more or different or better? Yet, by whose standards?

We are each given a specific set of talents or gifts. Those gifts are not something we had a special request for, we were just born with them. For example, there are those who can sing with seemingly no effort…and stay on key to boot! Others have engineered ways for us to reach the moon and beyond. Neither of those gifts have I been blessed with, at least if I have, they have not yet been revealed!

So, what is the point? I have been blessed with other gifts, gifts that I keep discovering as time passes. Some were revealed to me at an early age, like my ability to create delicious concoctions in the kitchen. Others are a work in progress. The point is, I find my joy in using the gifts that have been given me. I find great challenge in cultivating gifts that are not innately mine.

As I celebrate another year of life, I realize that the best use of the time I have left here on earth is to polish those gifts I have been given. I am to use those gifts to bring light to the darkness that envelops others. I am called to help others shine in the light of their gifts. The challenge is for you to do the same. After all, we can still sing along…

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV

Got Goals?

January 3, 2013

Hope, Personal Development

We spoke today of goals for 2013. Since the discussion occurred in the midst of a networking group of professionals, we chose primarily our business goals. Thinking about setting my life in a forward motion based on some pre-set ideas and “goals” feels a bit intimidating…at least today.

The discussion was interesting, as some had clear, written, measurable thoughts on the subject. Others had abstract, but good, ideas on some basic fundamentals of business. A few had written goals for each area of life, but only shared the applicable ones with the group. I found myself somewhere in the middle of the pack. My thoughts have not yet connected with the calendar. I feel as though I am already behind in the game of 2013.

I am not alone. As we listened and read of the fiscal cliff in recent days, we realize that procrastination is a common thread that binds us together. Lesson observed and learned. “Do it now” is a mantra that would serve me well.

And so I proceed on day 3 of this year that lies ahead. There is much to be learned, as I continually have more questions than answers. Oh, to be in my twenties again, when I knew everything! Today, I will enjoy cooking dinner for my family. I will laugh my way through zumba. I shall be grateful for one more day to try to figure out the path that lies before me.

Blessings to you~

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Lost in the Garden

June 18, 2012

Hope, In the Garden, Spiritual

Why is it the weeds always grow better than the vegetables or the flowers? I find myself in my small vegetable garden these days, searching for the tomato and pepper plants which are lost among the weeds. After digging around for what seems like days, I am finally able to identify the good from the bad. Of course, I manage to uproot a healthy tomato plant in the process. I am in hopes that my replanting efforts are fruitful, so to speak.

My life feels the same way. Lost in the duties of each day is my calling, my purpose for existence. The BIG picture reason for why I am still here. Every once in awhile, I think I have it all figured out and realize God has a different idea. So what do I do? Wait. Work the tasks at hand each day to see where it all leads, trust, pray. And wait. I believe I have plenty of patience at this point in my life and do not need any more lessons in that department. Still, I wait.

Do any of us ever figure it out, really? As my son would say, that is a rhetorical question. And no, I don’t think we ever do. It just feels good to ask. So, since it is the growing season here in Indiana, my garden grows. My weeds grow faster. Since God implemented the growth of the plants and has that all together, I guess I can rest in the fact that He will grow me at the proper rate as well. My job is to accept that fact peacefully, and …wait.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Smiles on Pansies

April 25, 2012

In the Garden

This is perfect pansy weather. Cool. Recently, I planted some of these unique annuals. Now is their time. As soon as mid-June hits, July for certain, these delicacies are finished. Their color availability makes them perfect companions to the early tulips and daffodils. And, many of them have faces…smiling faces!

Take a look next time you see a patch of them. They look back at you, unlike any other flower that I can recall right now. My older son used to think they had a sinister look about them, but I prefer to think they are happy and welcoming to those visiting the garden.

My mom taught me to appreciate the pansy. She always spoke about them in endearing terms when I was young. We had them in early spring and I was sad when they became miserable and died. No amount of pruning will bring them back in the heat of July and August. At least not by my hand.

So until the threat of frost is over, these are the annuals I enjoy. As the tulips are fading and the peonies are preparing for their glory, my pansies smile at me daily.

Even if you have not been gifted with a green thumb, plant a few so they can smile back at you, at least for today.

“My garden is a slow work, pursued with love, and I don’t deny that I am proud of it.” Claude Monet

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