Gifts

At the beginning of each year, for the past six years, I have followed a local life coach's 'New Year Questions' guide. I've answered these questions now as tradition and find them to be something that I do remember, consider, and reconsider throughout the year. These questions serve as a tool to help me reflect and dream, to stay intentional, and to prayerfully consider themes for my life each year. (You can read a brief summary about my past two years' themes in a recent post.)

At the start of 2020, I answered 20 questions. One of them led me to claim this year as "A Year of Courage". Seeing as its the eighth month, the nations are in (what I would call) turmoil, there is a global pandemic, and life as we thought it would be has definitely and drastically averted from plan, I can't help but wonder what the courage is all about. Was it courageous to step out of my ballroom dance career when I was already furloughed from it? Was it courageous to start writing this blog again? Will I find the courage to do something new and extraordinary with my time? What will I need this courage to pursue? What does this unexpected year look like for you? In what areas of your life could you benefit from having more courage? If you found that courage, what would change?

Each week, starting the first full week of January, I have endeavored to study a new word. They're not necessarily new, grandiose vocabulary that I won't ever use in my daily jargon, but simple, ordinary words that guide me to a deeper and more profound understanding of God and my relationship with Him. This week, my word is gift.

A gift in its simplest definition is: 

    noun

1 a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present

2 a natural ability or talent

    verb [ with obj. ]

1 to give (something) as a gift, especially formally or as a donation or bequest

2 to present (someone) with a gift or gifts

3 to (gift someone with) endow someone with (something)

A gift is a present from person to person, or a sacrifice from people to God. God also gifts to people. His gifts enable us and empower us to do good things, to live out our unique purpose on this earth, to bless others and to be blessed ourselves. We all have gifts to give, and we all have gifts to receive.

One of my gifts, a talent given me by my Creator, is writing. I have always enjoyed the act of physically recording words, playing with words, creating with words, sharing my heart in words, and reading others' words through writing. It is a powerful tool, used to educate, to grow, to connect. Connection is also a gift! When we are connected to others, to God, and to ourselves, beautiful and wonderful things happen. When we are disconnected, this is what brings trouble, pain, suffering, abuse, and all other horrible things. Connection is key, and connection grounds us to the gifts within us and within others. Without connection, there can be no giving and no receiving. Without connection, we are lost. How do you connect to others? How do you connect with God? How do you connect with yourself? 

I invite you to consider your gifts, as well as your connections. If you don't feel connected, what step of courage could you take to draw closer to yourself, others, or God today? How can you use your gifts to connect to yourself, others, or to God? What gift(s) does the Eternal One have for you to embrace in this season? 

            "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]."

(Feel free to share your answers in the comments, or contact me directly at jessmarkowitz11@gmail.com!)