I remember my Dad, many years ago, saying that, when his 3 children were born, he had no idea how many grandchildren, and great grands, would follow. He was amazed. He loved children so much, and it was a blessing to him to watch them, and to play with them, to fish with them, or just throw them a ball. He actually went to one of my daughter’s classes and helped each one build a bird house, with pieces he had assembled in weeks previous to his visit.
I have 3 grandchildren of my own now, so I finally understand what my dad was saying, with a greater emotional sense, if you get my meaning. I am walking in his shoes. These children amaze me. My oldest is an organizer, and I am always impressed at the way he sets things up and even his play area is organized. (Neither of my kids had that gift!) The middle grand is an explorer, and likes to work construction. Of course, they are all inquisitive, and I love watching them play.
My daughter had quite a time carrying my youngest grand, as he was busy from the get go. There were lots of times she thought he was going to “dance on out” of the womb ahead of time, he was so active. When he was born, he was the buffest baby I have ever seen. He had well defined muscles rather than the normal, cute baby pudge. I guess it was all the intra-womb calisthenics. As his momma loved and played music all during pregnancy, music has been a big deal to him from the start, and he absolutely loves to dance. His daddy owns a trucking company…interesting combo…no? At 1 ½ years old, he already likes to sit with daddy in the truck, and digs into the tool box to “help” daddy to make repairs. It will be interesting to watch all that play out! I don’t recall ever reading “dancing” and “trucker” in the same sentence.
Loving music as he does, he hangs out with the musicians at church, helping them play, and dancing. Deep inside, expressing himself in that way is just a part of him. Recently, he gave us quite a show. His crazy-favorite song is All Star by Smash Mouth. The other day my daughter sent me a video of her encouraging him while he danced with abandon as that music video played, and it was so engaging. The kid was going nuts, and didn’t care who was watching! He was finding all kinds of ways to make his body move to the beat, and when the music ended, he yelled “wow!” out loud. There is no telling what he will do in God’s Kingdom with all that energy and love of music, but it will be wonderful to wait and find out. In the meantime, it is a gift to watch him express himself.
God plants within us many things – different as we are. The question for some is “what is it?”, and for others “what do I do with it?” For all of us, there is a call to follow Christ in character building so He can do the great things He has planned, and watch us blossom in the Kingdom as well as our own soul, which He dearly loves. God builds us as we go, and there is a wonderous feeling when we express ourselves in the ways we are gifted – that feeling that says “this is what I was born to do.” An inner joy and satisfaction. We need to “listen” to our souls for those feelings, so we know what it is and then listen to Holy Spirit to find out the greater purpose of our lives, whatever that is.
We all want to be content with our lives, but none of us want it for ourselves more than God wants it for us. He wants to watch us lovingly exercising His gifts with crazy joy, then saying “wow!” and dropping to the floor for a rest before we start again. He also wants us to happily step back and watch others lovingly express their gifts, cheering them on.
We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139) We are all deeply known by God, and we are all gifted by God. Holy Spirit does not select just a few, but gives to all for the good of one another. Sometimes we even need to look to our church community to tell us our giftings, and to pray for their actualization. Other times we just know, and people around us confirm it as we walk through life. Either way, we can embrace our gifts as presents from God, and for one another.
1 Cor 12:4-7 and 11: Now there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…(11) All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. NIV
Spend peaceful time with Jesus, let Him tell you about your gifts and calling. Learn, grow, be encouraged. Make mistakes, get up, try again. Hone your skills. Then, get out there and dance…express your gifts with love, encouraging others, and reaping Holy Spirit Joy in God’s timing.
Blessings!
Leaona Huston
July 16, 2021
