speaking of gifts.. and talents

It is that time of year. And I don’t mind saying I am not much of a fan.

Hustle and bustle. Hurry and wait in line. Get in front of other folks, push them aside. Rudeness. Grouchiness. STRESS.

From folks who usually don’t even act that way.

All for what?

Oh yeah the perfect gift. Giving the perfect gift.

Most times not because we want to but out of obligation. Because it is the thing to do.

It is all about peace, goodwill and giving gifts, right?

And come THAT morning, most often selfishness is fed, and 20 minutes later the “gifts” are strewn all over the place without too much care.

And 20 days later most are totally forgotten.

Pretty much a picture of the gifts the Father gives us. We often don’t take them seriously.

For way too many folks, this time of year is one of heartache, heartbreak, loneliness, depression and sometimes suicide.

And yet we have the answer, we have the REAL GIFT, Jesus Himself is it, and He has given each of us a gift known as a talent to be able to share the PERFECT GIFT with those who really need it.

But we are too busy. Buying who knows what for who knows who and wrapping it in paper that will be thrown away.

I challenge you this season.

STOP what you are doing. Take some time. Listen to HIS voice. ASK Him how you can change a life. For real. Change a life. If you belong to Him He has given you the “gifting” to be able to do that.

It may a word of encouragement, something that will only apply to the person He points you to. It may be a hug. It may be a song. And no Christmas songs don’t count. It may be such a small and insignificant thing to you but it may mean LIFE to someone else. LISTEN, ASK, be willing. Be available.

Your toys will seem pretty useless after seeing a life changed.