“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” -1Peter 4:10
I remember, from the time, I was ten years old it became my responsibility to take care of our family. Mom was sick so much of the time and Dad was busy working, so I learned to cook and clean and take care of Mom. One year on Christmas Eve my brother was bitten on his leg by a spider. The doctor said he was to lay on the couch with his leg elevated and to apply hot compresses to the bite area to draw out the poison. At this same time, Mom and Dad came down with a stomach bug that had them both confined to bed. I spent that Christmas taking care of them all. I cooked for them, cleaned up after them, and changed my brother’s hot compresses as needed. Most of my friends could not understand how I could do all of this by myself. I remember thanking God that I was not sick and that I was able to care for them.
I may not have the gift of music, or speaking in public, or so many other things, but I do have the gift to care for others and serve when I am needed. I still enjoy caring for others. Sending someone a card or doing something nice for them to cheer them up. God blessed me with the gift of caring, of hospitality, and of listening. I want to continue to use my gifts to bless others, and in return, I always receive a blessing too. It makes me feel good to know I have used my gifts from God to help someone else.
We all have gifts and talents given to us by God. What are your gifts? Think about the things you do that you are good at and that you can use to help others. How can you use your gifts and talents to serve others?
Lee Ann Simpson – Administrative Assistant, Asbury Campus
