“You are a gift. You are God’s gift to your world, to this world. Embrace it and live your life to the best of your ability to fulfill your purpose.”
“Oh my! Here I am walking through a parking lot not expecting such a gift!” she exclaimed in my direction. Admittedly, I looked over my shoulder to see what on earth she was talking about. I wanted to see the gift too! Noticing my confusion, she grabbed both my shoulders and looked me dead in the eyes as I got close to her. In her sweet voice she said, “It’s you! You are a gift! Did you know that? I didn’t expect to see you today, but I am so happy I did. I love it when I get to see you.” She went on to encourage me and began to list ways my existence was a gift to her and to God’s kingdom.
A Kind Word Goes a Long Way
I was floored but held my emotions in check until I got into my car. Then I wept. This woman, who I honor and admire, spoke words of encouragement to me that day. She brought life to the words found in Proverbs 16:24 (NLT): “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
As I drove home, her words rang in my ears as I began to reflect on a young, godly man’s celebration of life, a life snuffed out way too soon by our human thinking. (This celebration of his life is what had brought us together for that moment in the parking lot.) I began to think about all the ways he had poured himself out to those around him.
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
He was known for his powerful life of worship, but those near and dear to him recognized him for his selflessness. This young man was always adding value to every space into which he was invited. He was a gift. He was God’s gift to us. I believe he knew he was (and had) a gift. You might ask what leads me to believe that. You could tell by the way he lived his life.
Gifts make life better. According to James 1:17 (NIV), “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Click To TweetGod’s Gift
You are a gift. Did you know that? A gift is “a thing given willingly to someone without payment.” Gifts are often personal, special, and sentimental. We cherish them and often hold them close to our hearts. The gift giver typically studies the recipient and chooses something they know will bring joy.
Gifts make life better. According to James 1:17 (NIV), “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) adds, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
I can’t help but think that our Savior, the ultimate gift giver, the one who spoke things into existence, saw this day and wants you to be reminded: You are a gift. You are God’s gift to your world, to this world. Embrace it and live your life to the best of your ability to fulfill your purpose.
Dinecia Gates holds two degrees in communication, loves traveling, flowers, cupcakes, the beach, and coffee.
(A version of this article was published in Reflections.)
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