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JOIN THE WALK IN HER SANDALS LENTEN BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
Option #1: Read the quote, ponder the question and leave your thoughts in the comments below
Feel free to reply to the comments from the others on this walk with us!
Option #2: Join the WINE Lenten Book Club on Facebook
Option #3: Do Both!
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It is not boastful or prideful to delight in your gifts because they are just that GIFTS. When we realize and acknowledge that God has chosen them for us to glorify and serve Him, it is ok to recognize and celebrate them within ourselves. He has blessed me with talent to write and speak about spiritual things; with an added sprinkling of the ability to make people laugh. So those are what I use most often in His vineyard. What about you?
God’s bounty overflows so generously that it seems almost rude to list only what comes to mind – there is so much more! We tend to single out the things that make us feel “special,” like talents – intelligence – achievements; all of them gifts, indeed. However – the Down syndrome child, the hydrocephalic, the child suffering from spina bifida – all of them are God’s gifts to us, and their states are also His gifts – to them, for through them He makes them His apostles to this world overcome by materialism and the pursuit of wealth and pleasure. I love the traditional Morning Offering for its acceptance and return of all of His gifts.
What a beautiful insight. Thank you Mary Elizabeth for this great reminder and inspiration!
I have empathy for others in need and a very positive attitude. I can be very tenacious and after I exhaust my capabilities I repeat three times” Jesus, I trust iin You”.
Annette…I love your post! This is very much like me…. I always try to think of the quote (which I love):
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” ― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird. It helps me empathize when I’m at work…I work with some very trying people.
And, no matter how difficult…there is always some good to find in any situation – I, too, try to have a very positive attitude.
Sometimes it’s hard for me to say, “yes” to God’s Will. That is something that I am working on. So, I like your “Jesus, I trust in You”. I will try this when I find myself fighting against God – when He is pushing me in a direction that I seem to be resisting.
Empathy is truly a gift, I have to work very hard at it. I really admire that quality in others.
Empathy is a very special gift; this world could use more people recognizing and embracing that gift within themselves!
I am blessed that my profession is also my calling! I am an RN, now an educator of future nurses and was a pediatric nurse my entire career!
I wholeheartedly agree with Mary Elizabeth’s post–special needs children are God’s gift to their family first and to the world second. Their families learn important life lessons that others never learn. Sacrifice, unconditional love are the two that come readily to mind. There are more lessons–too many to list. Pray they are protected from those who think their lives have no meaning or worth. These children (of which my grandson is one) have a unique ministry in that their life IS their ministry.
Nurses especially have the awesome ability to make a positive difference in a hurting person(s) life every day, multiple times with each patient and family. What a gift from God!!
My gifts are discernment, helps (obviously), encouragement, organization, generosity and administration.
Oh I have organizational gift envy lol 🙂
I try to be a positive force – being supportive and encouraging always. Sometimes this is at home, sometimes at church, sometimes to strangers. But each day (especially during Lent) I am consciously making an effort to give someone a pat on the back, special smile or other symbol of my support.
You’ve inspired me! I will make an effort to smile more this Lent too!
I see the good in people, I see angels and saints among them walking with me, Praise God. I am so blessed to SEE and HEAR which I treasure as most precious gifts to share.
I want your eyes!
I think, since my retirement from paid employment, my gift is time. I am trying to share it generously.
Lucky those who are blessed by that gift.
By the World’s standards, I am not a very “gifted” person: I’m not artistic or creative, I don’t play an instrument or have a beautiful singing voice, I’m not talented at oration or writing. Yet, I feel my gift is the ability to LOVE–deeply, passionately, to seek the good of others, and the intuitiveness to see where this love is needed and how I can help. It is, I think, a much more hidden gift because its works are hidden–like giving that smile when I didn’t really feel like it or being patient with the store clerk who is stressed out even though I felt much more like complaining. But, because it is so hidden, it is an easier gift to leave by the wayside since it’s not often rewarded with praise (like a person who plays an instrument or sings beautifully would be). I hope this Lent the Lord will help me to always be mindful to share my gift with others out of love.
Hidden gifts are the most precious – it makes me think of the scripture that your Father sees all these things in secret and blesses them accordingly. Your comment, and really everyone today who took the time to share their hearts, has made me smile. Thank you for literally sharing your gifts!
Love is the only gift that remains. What a blessing you are to those in your sphere of influence! It is THE gift I would trade all my other gifts to obtain.