Listen to me, all of you in far-off lands: The Lord called me before my birth. From within the womb he called me by my name. Isaiah 49:1 (Living Bible)
God equips us with many talents and gifts so that we can navigate this world. Even before we were born, God had put into our DNA certain traits and tendencies which we simply accept as gifts, not as anything that we have worked for. Now, to be sure, some people take those gifts for granted, and do not work to develop them fully. Some people take credit for the gifts that were not of their own making. Some, sadly, do not recognize the gifts that they have, even when others point them out.
Some have musical ability, others athletic ability, others academic ability, others mechanical abilities, and so on. Some have high abilities in several areas. However, we all have abilities in some areas.
Often, I will ask my clients to take the StrengthFinder (Gallup Trademarked) test. That test will help people identify one of 34 potential strengths. The strengths are then explained and clients can see how those strengths can be of benefit to themselves and others. Typically, when we go over the strengths, the “light goes on”, and they can see that they have that special ability in an area which they have been using for years without really thinking about it. It just came naturally to them.
Gifts and talents are like that. We often do not see our own gifts because we don’t value them. After all, the things that come easy to us, we think, must come easy to everybody. “I’m not that special”, we feel. “If I can do it, anybody can do it”. How often have you heard that?
We need to recognize and appreciate the talents and gifts that we have, and humbly accept that we have been given them for a reason. Those talents are God’s gifts to us. Our gift to him is to use them in the service of others.
Prayer: Thank you for the many gifts you have given to us. Help us to see them, and use them in your service, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 