Seated at a table of women, we were handed some get-to-know-you types of discussion questions. The woman seated beside me read the first question aloud.
“What are your gifts and talents?”
Rather reluctantly, the first girl shyly said, “Well I have always been good at cooking, but that’s not really a talent.”
Another shouted, “Oh, girl! That is a talent in my book! My talent is ordering take out!”
One by one, the ladies began to affirm each other’s gifts. They reminded each other why their gifts were truly gifts. However, what struck me was the follow up responses to the follow up question.
“How are you using your gifts right now?”
“With work, family, activities, I’m lucky if I remember my kids birthdays, let alone take time to use my gifts.”
“I’m knee deep in diapers, but maybe one day I’ll finally write that book.”
“I am way too old, that ship has passed,” another women said.
Their various response all had the same theme “Not Now!” Unanimously everyone felt there was a valid reason they weren’t using their gifts.
Our collective self-doubt and fear loomed large in that moment. We recognized the gifting in each other, but not in ourselves. And we felt held back by time, fear, and what others thought?
So how do you take the first step right now? What can you do in the season of life you are in to use your gifts? Have the gift of hospitality? But right now small babies keep you from hosting a diner party? Host a mom and her baby in your back yard for coffee.
Have the gift of teaching? But can’t go back to work in a classroom full time? Can you tutor a student for an hour a week or volunteer in Sunday School class at your church?
Feel like it’s too late to study and go back to college? Can you take one class online?
Reflective Questions:
- What’s your “why not now” reason for not using your gifts today?
- What is holding you back?
- What is the next step you can take today?
