“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:6
What CAN You Do?
I have a friend who is very organized. She also homeschools. I’m really proud of her, that she can do that. I thought about homeschooling my kids. My second thought was, “No way.” When I mentioned it to others around me, they said nice things that really meant, “No way.” When I prayed about it, I felt like God was saying, “Sweetie, you are much too scatterbrained for such a structured job. Maybe you could handle it for a month, but then your mind would wander to inventing a new gluten-free cookie recipe, or you’d suddenly need to add highlights to your hair, and you would forget all about homeschooling that day. It would be a disservice to your child.”
And so that was cool, but then I felt a little bit stung. Like here are all of these other moms around me who are not only homeschooling, but raising chickens and keeping their houses spotless, too. I can’t even maintain a houseplant. There are days I look at the blocks on the floor that have been there since last week and it’s like I literally lack the ability to do anything about them, until that one day when the sight of them becomes unbearable, and I end up cleaning the entire house like a maniac. We have clean order for a few days or weeks until it all goes downhill again. And repeat the cycle.
But the other day, Organized Homeschooling Friend said to me, “You are good at blessing the people around you with words of encouragement. You have spoken things into my life that have not only blessed me, but also my family, and many other people. It is a spiritual gift; not everyone has that.” Well! I was blown away to hear that! Encouraging people is so easy! But apparently, the things that come easily to me are things at which other people have to strive.
I think that rather than compare myself to my friends, feeling bad when I don’t measure up to what I see them doing well, I should ask the LORD how He wants to use and cultivate the unique gifts He has given me. I should continue doing what I know how to do, instead of comparing my life to that of What’s Her Name.
Truth be told, I’m glad I’m not good at everything. Or why would I need God? And God likes to express Himself through the lives of other believers around me, by giving them gifts and strengths that are different than mine.
If at some point the LORD does lead me into homeschooling, chicken farming, or plant keeping, He will then supply the necessary grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Dear Father, thank You for the unique gifts You give to each one of us. Help us to use them for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Amen Sister!!!
That’s so great!!! God has definitely used you in the way He has chosen at the this time. Be blessed!
Love this!
Boy, can I relate. I’ve spent decades struggling with the comparison game. It’s really difficult when you have young kids. Only in the last few years has God helped me zoom in on where it’s really at: eyes on Jesus, not others! I think of His words to Peter, when he asked about John: “What is that to you? You must follow me.” I realized it’s ok if I only have 1 talent of energy (instead of 2 talents or 5 talents), I just need to use it for Him. I too am an encourager.
Thank you so much for sharing your own journey in this area!
I like that word— One “talent” of energy!
I sure needed to hear this! Thank you for encouraging us through your writing!
So true…”If I was good at everything, why would I need God.” That gives me a whole lot of comfort knowing I want and need God and instead of fretting about who I am not. Thank you!