June 13: The Birthday Party

My kids just had their birthday party a few weeks ago. They had a great time celebrating their special day with extended family and we even went to the zoo. But, the highlight of their day (I know this may come as a shock) was getting gifts. They got all kinds of gifts: classics like Rubik's cubes and a skateboard; trendy ones (now Lizzy has enough Hannah Montana clothing to wear everyday for a week); and some "what in the world was Grandma thinking" gifts (let's not talk about these). As parents, we dutifully take pictures at the party and then make sure the gifts get lots of use after the party.

God has given you a number of different kinds of gifts as well. He has also given you a church family that is excited about your gifts and you being able to use them. This is easy for those of us who have "classic" gifts. If you enjoy singing, children, caring for others, office help, or outdoor care, it is easy for you to get involved with an established ministry. (Praise team, nursery volunteer, BeFrienders, stuffing envelopes, and mowing the lawn to name a few.)

Sometimes our gifts fall into the "trendy" category. They are gifts that can be used to fill specific and timely ministry needs. Do you have gifts that allow you to quickly respond to a natural disaster? How about ones that can help with a short term, occasional ministry like VBS?

Then there's the last category. The "what was God thinking" when he gave me that as a gift. Sometimes these seem too boring or weird to be possibly used for God. A few years ago, one of the favorite gifts our kids got was garbage cans. Yep, garbage cans. They love them. In fact, Lizzy still has hers in her room. It's practical, functional and something that makes her happy. It doesn't seem so weird when you look at it that way. What are your "weird" gifts?

We could spend an entire month looking at this idea of spiritual gifts and how to develop them. All we've done is scratch the surface. Have you found something you are passionate about, a way you can serve God, either withing our church community or out in the world? We would love to hear about it and to help you in any way we can.

P.S. Drew's garbage can had a shorter life because he kept using it as a step stool to reach things on the top of his dresser. What unusual ways is God calling you to use your gifts?