Simple Gift

I have a very dear friend who is struggling right now with some difficult things (truth be told there are several wonderful people in my life facing personal struggles...and don't we all get our share?) And as I watch her struggle I wish desperatley that I could do something more to help, but all I have to offer are these simple words and in moments like these words alone seem so very inadquate. That's where my prayers were headed this morning....down the "my gift isn't as good as so-and-so's" road. And then I got a gentle "nudge" from Holy Spirit, reminding me this was first His gift to me, and His gifts are never inadequate, but perfectly tailored to each recipient. No, I can't sing, or dance or paint. My bank account is always woefully strained. Encouragement and acts of service don't come easily to my hands. But I can write.

Someone once wrote "the pen is mightier than the sword" (Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Richelieu). There is power in words: "Let there be light" and creation began, "It is finished" and new life began, "I love you" restarted a broken heart as easily as "I don't love you anymore" stopped it. "Ask and it will be given to you", speak to the mountain and it will be moved.

Each of us has been given special and unique gifts, talents and skills and we ought not despair that someone else can do what we can not. They may just as likely despair that they can not do what you do. Let's begin to celebrate our unique gifts, take pleasure in what we have been given. I have always loved to write, pen to page, loving the taste of words on my tongue, the song of them in my ears, but for years I neglected this passion, kept it hidden away. In recent months I have rediscovered my passion, and I write if only for myself. Writing is my song of praise and I thank God for this gift.



Take this humble gift of mine,

These simple words, measured phrases,

Let them sing to Your glory,

Of the dreams You have murmured in my ear

Sing Your song to me

I will it back to You

Let our love song echo across time


What is your gift? How do you employ it?