It has been said, “Life is a gift.” We could even say, “Each day is a gift.” I don’t think any of us would disagree. Life is precious. Each day holds something new to be explored, experienced and enjoyed. But here is where some may have a difficult time….
Can you say this – “My life is a gift.”?
Each of us can say it but can we say it and mean it? Truly believe it about ourselves? That is the true question.
I am not sure if many of us would regard our lives as a gift. We might wonder…..
- a gift to whom?
- a gift of what?
- a gift? What’s that?
- who wants this gift?
Each of our lives is a gift within a gift. It is gift waiting to be cracked open, poured out, used and enjoyed. Each life is a gift meant to be a blessing to others. Listen to how Peter explains this:
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (1 Peter 4:10, NLT)
Each of us has been given a talent or gift by God which we are to use to bless those around us. Our gifts are different and unique to each one of us. But we all have at least one. None of our gifts are going to look the same or be used in the same manner. And our God has designed it in just that manner.
Our gifts are not for us to boast about or on. They are not for the purpose of boosting our self-esteem or confidence either. They are for the purpose of serving each other so that we each benefit from the gifts of others. A gift is meant to be given.
In holding the gifts, we have the responsibility to manage them. They have been entrusted to us to develop and use for their intended purposes of making Him known and bringing Him glory. If we bury the gifts deep inside us and neglect to use them, we will miss the purpose of our lives. If we develop them and use them, there are lives that will be affected by what we do. God has placed them within us so that we can then offer them to others. Our gifts are valuable to others and to God. Let’s be faithful to use them!
Do everything readily and cheerfully – no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night.” (Philippians 2: 17, The Message)
Our lives hold gifts which are waiting to be used.
*This is the end of 31 Days of Holding. I am glad for any that took the journey with me. If you missed any part of it & want to catch up, you can click here for the landing page.
I am joining with …. Thriving Thurs. and Thankful Thurs. and From House to Home and Thurs. Favorite Things and Blog Lovin’ and Little Things Thurs. and Hearts For Home and Thoughtful Thurs. and Share The Joy and Time Travel Thurs. and Thrive @ Home and Friday Follow Along .
Yes, life is a gift…each and every one. If more people saw their life as a gift in which to bless others, I think we would have less of the bad in this world.
We surely would! Thank you for stopping here today.
Life is definitely a gift. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing with us at our Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop.Don’t forget to enter all of our contests. There is a ton of cash and prizes up for grabs.
Sew Crafty Angel
I really appreciate this gentle stir to use those gifts that God has given to me. I think we can become so enamored with the gifts of others that we neglect what we have.
Wanda – So very true. May we not neglect what God has placed inside of us. Perhaps the only way for us to do that is to keep our focus on Him and not on others. Thank you, friend, for sharing here! I appreciate it.
I have enjoyed your series. When I adopt the attitude that life is a gift, it really becomes one. I have a friend who has cancer and he is discussing with our spiritual direction group how his cancer is a gift. Somedays he sees it and to be honest many days he doesn’t but he is so open to exploring this – such an inspiration for me.
Jean – Thank you so much sharing. You bring out such an important truth – it will be a battle of sorts to maintain the attitude that life is a gift. May we fight hard as we truly don’t know who is watching and who it may inspire.
Great words my friend! I know I may not have caught all of your posts in this series but I believe I read most of them….Great job! I’m always sure to be encouraged and inspired when I come here. Love you.
Thank you, Beth! I am grateful for the way you spur me on!
Thanks for reminding us of the value of the gift we are, each of us, to the body of Christ and to the world, Joanne.
I am grateful that you stopped here. May we remember we are valued by Him!
I found your blog through the Blog Moms “November Blog Hop” and love what you write. I am now a subscriber to your blog.
One paragraph that really touched my heart was: “Our gifts are not for us to boast about or on. They are not for the purpose of boosting our self-esteem or confidence either. They are for the purpose of serving each other so that we each benefit from the gifts of others. A gift is meant to be given.”
What an inspiring reminder that the gifts God gives us are not necessarily gifts for us but for others. Thank you for encouraging my heart!
Sincerely,
Maralee
http://www.mannersmentor.com
Maralee – Thank you for stopping here, sharing & the follow. I am grateful that you were encouraged. May we become women who give out each day that which we have received. Have a wonderful weekend!
So very true… Thank you for sharing this reminder with Thrive @ Home!
So many forget that our lives are such beautiful gifts. Thanks for the reminder.
We need to be reminded every now & then 🙂 Thank you for stopping here & have a blessed Sunday!