Be Surprised with Joy As You Allow Your Gifts to Blossom

Number 53 in the series “God Rocks: 101 Amazing Everyday Gifts!” The miracles and promises of Jesus that show us the awesome blessings we can experience each day. I hope it encourages you!

Starting this blog has been a constant challenge that frankly I didn’t need.

I took a two year hiatus after ending my previous blog. Then when some commitments ended I pondered what I wanted to do with the extra time. One option was to write a new blog.

Honestly my first response was, “Ugh. Do I really want to?”

Photo Credit: Daniel Foster

I mean some days feel like I’ve signed up for an exploratory root canal.

So I pushed it off. Tried to ignore it. Debated with myself.

And no I don’t need psychoanalysis.

Yet something inside compels me to write.

When I thought about giving it up I felt like something died.  I felt depressed about it.

So I tentatively researched, built the site and launched. And I’ve been drinking from a fire hose ever since.

Every morning I choose to write even when I have no idea what to say.

I choose to give the time to God even when I don’t really have the time. I guess I trust him to make up for the time away from my business which realistically costs me.

But I’ll tell you what’s surprised me.

First, I continue to feel compelled. Sure some days more so than others. But the enthusiasm remains.

Because when I think of how blessed I am I want to share it. In a way it’s part of how I live out my gratitude. I remain simply amazed by it all.

And then God shows up. Most days I have no clue at first where we’re going. Yet, as I pray for his leading it comes. From quiet nudgings of my spirit to the still small voice whispering in my mind. Often I’m surprised where I end up.

One of the greatest blessings though is the joy I feel when I receive a reply from a reader telling me how much a post helped them. Interestingly sometimes they read something completely different than I intended. But that’s great, just surprising.

And finally fulfillment from using my gifts, however meager, to show God’s love and help others. There is simply nothing else I do quite like it.

I think it’s what Jesus meant when he said, “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” *

I don’t see this as a command. I see it as an opportunity.

We’ll be surprised by fulfillment as we allow our gifts to blossom.

How have you experienced this?

Please share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter or email me. Thanks.

*Matthew 10: 27 (NIV)