3 Points to Ponder
- “Each of us has a gift or talent to offer the world. It also is part of a larger body, making the whole complete. They all fit together. When you think of a unique gift you have to offer the world, what comes to mind first for you?”
- “There are only certain seasons of life when something is available. Sports is a great example as it is a game for the young. When we see our life in seasons, it helps to frame the whole. Are there any gifts you have whose season is coming to an end? What are you doing to maximize each season?”
- “Sometimes, all I’m capable of doing is showing up as I don’t have the strength to muster much else. And many times, that is enough, since that is all the person needs. For me, that applies to parenting a lot. I think I need to have it all together when really, my child just needs to see me and know I am there. Where do you need to stop worrying about what you have to offer and just show up as you are?”
2 Quotes to Share
“Your purpose in life is to use your gifts and talents to help other people. Your journey in life teaches you how to do that.” – Tom Krause
“Use your talents. They are precious gifts given to you to put to work.” -Robyn O’Brien
1 Story of Impact
A few weeks ago, I spent about 24 hours with Eric Genuis, a world-class composer of classical music. It was such an eye-opening experience for me as he spends most of his time playing concerts for those forgotten in the world – the prisoner, the addict, the inner-city youth, and the broken-hearted. He strongly desires for the world to drink in beauty through music instead of the venom constantly bombarding us. One of the statements Eric said that moved me was, “My gift is on a timeline. It will expire. As long as there is breath in my lungs, I will play music for as many broken people as possible. I will not say no.” What an incredible purposeful way to live life! Eric knows who he is and why he was created. He also knows his gifts and talents aren’t going to be around forever and understands the responsibility to share them with as many people as possible. What gifts and talents are uniquely yours, with an expiration date to share with the world? Or a different way to put it, if you didn’t exist today, what hole in the world would exist? And for anyone who thinks, “No one would care if I didn’t exist,” you are dead wrong. Each of us has a unique gift to offer another to lift humanity a little closer to God. Even if it is a smile, a laugh, or simply showing up, it matters. Someone today needs that gift from you.
