Don't Take Your Gift for Granted
By Andrea Merrell
Helen Keller once said, “I cried because
I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.”
I recently underwent a corneal transplant which resulted in
using only one eye for a couple of weeks, then not seeing clearly for several
more. When my vision finally began to improve, it was necessary to stick with
my old glasses for at least three months until my vision “settled.” Needless to
say, it was not an easy task.
Not a good scenario for a writer and editor who spends most of
her time on the computer.
A week after my surgery, my friend Cindy Sproles underwent a
serious surgery of her own where they literally drilled a hole in her skull to
correct a hearing problem. After the surgery, her hearing in that ear was only
about 10 percent. She had to wait, as I did, for healing to occur.
Not a good scenario for someone who works part-time, leads a
ministry, serves as a managing editor for a publishing company, and teaches at
writers’ conferences.
A few weeks after our surgeries, Cindy asked how I was doing.
She said, “I can see and you can hear. Together, we make a whole person.”
Funny story, but it made me think about how easy it is to take what we have for
granted.
The truth is God has given each of us gifts. Writers have the
ability to craft stories and pen words that will touch the hearts of readers.
Editors have an eye for detail and structure and can help polish the prose of
writers. Some have the gift of a listening ear, while others possess the
ability to encourage those who are struggling. Within the writing and
publishing industry, there are many gifts: marketing and promotion, design,
teaching, mentoring, managing projects, social media, putting together
workshops and conferences, and a host of behind-the-scene projects and
activities.
The Bible tells us we are one
body in Christ Jesus (Romans 12:5 NKJV). In verse 15, we’re told to be
happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep (NLT). All the
parts of His body are connected, and each part depends on the other. That means
our gifts are to be used and shared with each other.
Many times, we fail to look at
our gifts as we should. We might feel entitled, take them for granted, or push
them aside, planning to use them tomorrow.
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells
the story of three servants who were given talents, or gifts, according to
their individual ability. Two handled theirs correctly while the third man
buried his. In the end, not only did he lose it, it was given to one of the
others who used his as expected.
After two eye surgeries, I will
never take my sight for granted. I’m sure Cindy would say the same about her
hearing. In the same way, I never want to take the gifts God has given me as a
writer for granted. He gives to us so that we might expand His kingdom, bring
glory to Him, and bless others. When we bury our gifts—whether from fear,
timidity, or procrastination—we rob ourselves and others of God’s blessings.
When we use what He has given us to the best of our ability and invest in the
lives of others, we bring honor and glory to the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17 NIV).
Writer, what is your gift? Maybe
you have many. Whether you excel at writing devotions, crafting exciting
novels, creating interesting blog posts, giving encouraging critiques, or
praying for others, look for ways to use your gifts to
bless the body of Christ, and never take them for granted.
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few
seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a
generous crop (2 Corinthians 9:6
NLT).
Can you share a time when you’ve
used your gift/gifts to bless others? We would love to hear from you.
Photos courtesy of (FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles and adamr.)
TWEETABLE
Thank you for a great reminder.
ReplyDeleteYou're certainly welcome, Diana. It's something we all need to be reminded of from time to time. Blessings! :)
DeleteI needed to hear this today ☺
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by, Jennifer. Thanks for your comment. Blessings! :)
DeleteMe too, Jennifer. I needed this reminder. Thanks Andrea.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Sheryl. Thanks for joining the conversation! Blessings! :)
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