Gifts from God come in so many packages. Whether it be writing, speaking, mentoring, jewelry making, etc; they are gifts that have been given to us by God. We choose in life to use those gifts in many ways. In loss it is no different. The cloudiness of our spirit can, at times, keep us from seeing those gifts and can often keep us from having enough energy to see them. The most important thing to know is that in order to climb out of our loneliness, our grief, our brokenness we must try to use the gifts God has given us.

The evidence of the Spirit’s presence is given to each person for the common good of everyone” – 1 Corinthians 12:4

The gifts that God has given me and more importantly allowed me to see have given me a sense of meaning. A purpose in life. Those of us who are in this group understand all too well that “purpose” is one of the hardest things to feel after you have suffered a loss. I understand it because having lost my only child, one that had chronic illness most of her life; my life revolved around her. After her passing – it’s as if the world stopped for me. As I stood on the outside looking in, it was going around at a pace that I couldn’t find my way back on. Time has allowed for me to get back on because of the gifts I have received.

Those gifts first started out through writing my journals. Then some of my followers gave me strength, when I had none because they spoke of how my words helped them. So I kept writing. As a creative person, I also like to design things. So I tried my hand at jewelry making and found I was pretty good at it. I still do it from time to time and on special occasions, but mostly I write.

One of the gifts I enjoyed prior to Brittany’s death was photography. After she died I lost all interest. Didn’t care if I ever picked up a camera again. But as God has His way – I was asked to join my brother and his wife-to-be in Cabo San Lucas for their wedding to take their pictures. This was about 3 months after Brittany passed. I think I was still walking in a fog but agreed to do it as I needed a change of scenery from the cold winter in Michigan.

This gift I was given to see beauty and elegant behind the lens was intriguing to me. It made my heart race and brought me a small amount of joy. But after returning back to Michigan – the loss – the empty house – the cold – it all brought reality back to me broken heart and I put the camera down.

A few years later I was asked again to take the wedding photos of a dear friend and co-worker. And again I felt the rush and joy that being able to capture special moments would bring me. I had so much fun giving the results of this gift to my friends. It gave me purpose.

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I have been given many gifts. I use them to give gifts back and I use them in  my everyday life at work. It gives me purpose. It gives me hope. My challenge to you all is to sit in a place and let God reveal your gifts to you. Then take a step in faith that your gifts will not only bring you joy but will give you a sense of purpose and in the end, will give those whose lives you touch a special gift of love and joy. Pass it on…..

until next time,

m