The Gift You Give God This Christmas
I have a favorite Christmas memory. I was in the sixth grade, and I received a cassette tape player that could record. After spending time at my grandparents that afternoon, my mom, step-dad, brother and myself sat around our dining room table and told stories into that recorder. It was special because it was one of the few times I remembered the four of us interacting in such a playful manner. I also loved the story-creating aspect. I loved making up stories in my mind, and now here is a way I could record them!
That Christmas, I received a glimpse into who God made me to be: a story teller. Psalm 139:13-14 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well,” (NIV).
It took me years to realize that I wasn’t born a clean slate. Instead, God created me with unique gifts and talents. It took me even longer to realize that I have the ability to give a gift to God at Christmas ... and every day. How? By developing those gifts. By not hiding them. By stepping out in faith to develop the talents God has placed deep inside me.
Your Life is a Gift to God
God gave us our unique talents and abilities for a reason. Why? First, to glorify him. John 15:8 says, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples,” (ESV). When we are living our best, creative selves—as God designed—people take notice. Our lives reflect God. And we are also able to reach others with a message of hope, sharing what God can do in their lives, too.
In fact, your talents and abilities are not just for you. They are for others. The world around you benefits when you live the best version of yourself. Including your kids. Especially your kids.
For many years I thought taking time to write, and to develop my talents, was hurting my kids. Instead, as they grew older, I saw that my kids received many benefits. They were proud of my efforts. They experienced wonderful trips and events they never would have if I hadn’t been a writer. My efforts also showed them what it looked like to work hard, to develop one’s abilities, and to follow God with my whole heart!
What About You?
What gifts and talents do you have hidden inside? Know they are not there by accident. God has a special plan for them. Yes, it will take work, but the good news is God walks with you on the journey. No matter how hard the path is, He will be with you every step of the way.
If, like me, your unique talent has to do with writing, then I’m doing something special that you might be interested in.
Making your writing dreams become a reality is tough. I know. I’ve been there.
You have ideas but you wonder if any of them are good. You have no idea how to connect with agents and editors, and what in the world is book proposal anyway?
I’m here to help. And I’ve invited some of my friends to help you too. They are professional agents, editors, authors, and marketing and publicity team members. They’re the best of the best in the Christian publishing industry. Together we want to help you reach your dreams.
To help you do this, I’ve created Write That Book. This premier group provides education, inspiration and connection with other writers and experts. Learn all the tricks of the trade while getting your personal questions answered. I’d love to have you try the free trial!
But, if your dream doesn’t have to do with writing, I still encourage you to pursue it, whatever it is. Some day when you kids are grown and following God with all their hearts they’ll look at you and say, “Thanks, Mom, for showing me how it’s done!”
So, this Christmas take a moment and look back to those moments in childhood when you felt special joy. What do those memories tell you about who God created you to be? Now … dare to step out and become the person God has designed. That’s the gift you can give to God this Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Share this post:
