I would like to share Mari’s story with you:

You know, I always thought I was such a sucker for being so emotional about other people. Just seeing someone appearing to be sad or suffering would make me cry. And this is often so very embarrassing. 

Until last year’s winter when I ended up in hospital with a thyroid problem when I was booked off from work for three weeks. I cried about everything, even thinking of ending it all. What a coward! Hormones simply have such a debilitating effect on women. 

I desperately started reading my Bible, something I’ve neglected for a while.  And God spoke to me through his Word and made me aware of my purpose on earth, why He put me here, which is to give to others and to listen.

While I’m listening, I ask the Lord inside to equip me with the right response or words for that person. And every time the Lord uses me so wonderfully that I myself am surprised about what I say.  God is SO GREAT!         

Recently, I did the Inner Circle Life Journey course at work. At the end of the course each of us received the book Strength Finder. At the back of the book is a sealed envelope with a form that helps you discover your gifts.

You’re probably wondering what my five strong points were?

• • • Empathy – ability to sense someone’s emotions and eases person’s anxiety
    • Developer – spontaneously tune into the emotions and needs of individuals
    • Connectedness – strong communication talents
    • Harmony – deference comes naturally for me
    • Adaptability – obvious, don’t you think?

This made me realise I don’t have to be ashamed about being caring and emotional, because that is exactly how God made ME and my life has a purpose – now my embarrassment has changed into gratitude for being the way I am …

Mari’s story is such a wonderful example for all of us and gives meaning to this verse: ²¹… Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.

At first Mari was embarrassed about her tears – and sometimes probably also felt rather stupid, because according to others it was not appropriate. But it is indeed part of her gift. Like the course showed her. She experiences the pain others feel, she’s on the same wavelength and can talk to them about it. And even more. God gave her all the skills. She simply had to recognise them and allow them to do the work.

God did this with all of us. God equipped each of us. Ready to make a difference there where we work, live and play. The only question is whether you are embarrassed by it like Mari was at first, or whether like Mari does now, you can live it to the full.

Scripture
2 Tim 2:21-22

Reflection
What is your gift?
Are you embarrassed about it?
Does your gift make a difference wherever you go?

Prayer
Father, thank you that You have chosen each of us to be a useful bowl. I must confess my bowl is not always ready to be used. Please help me to clean it. Help me to learn about my gifts and then to use them in the right way. Amen.