Just because...

It was a typical day.

The morning flew by with math lessons, reading practice, writing prompts and morning chores. A few groans were heard here and there and even more giggles as books were opened, worked on and then put away once again.

We had just finished lunch and the girls and I were stepping out to meet some friends at the library when I found it.
A surprise gift on our doorstep.

We brought it inside. Opened it, and found this:

Just because....

just because you are worth it.

just because you are loved.

just because you are special.

just because you are you.

I let the words wash over me. And then I cried. Haha. You need to know something- my husband calls me the "ice queen" because I don't cry in movies (like a certain someone. Ahem) but this card, well, it made me tear up.

Why is it so easy to believe these words about someone else, but hard to believe them about myself?

If you know me, you know I'm a words person. I devour books. Fiction. Non Fiction. Biographies. Studies. I love getting lost in imaginary worlds as well as finding myself lost in the wisdom and advice of others. 

So when I opened this gift and saw books *squeal* I knew that not only did this person bless me with this unexpected gift. Not only did their beautiful words encourage me. But this gift of books was also from someone who truly "gets" me.

The card, as you can see, wasn't signed. 

This became it's own treasure hunt. The girls quickly got to work guessing who could have left it. They excitedly began naming people. Just then Evan casually walked by, took one look at it and said "I know who it's from." He guessed and I agreed. It had to be from her.

I debated back and forth as to whether or not I should thank her. On the one hand I thought maybe she'd wanted to remain anonymous and wouldn't want any credit. After all, she didn't leave her name on the card for a reason. 

But on the other hand my heart leaped with excitement. I just had to tell her. I had to tell her that her love was recognizable. That the intentional, authentic way she lived and loved was so obvious that even my 11 year old son knew right away that it was her.

What joy! To know a friend who loves in this way!

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take that responsibility seriously. And if you have the gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)

This friend of mine was given the gift of encouraging others. And she does. She radically encourages. She can see beauty in others and calls it out. She knows how to speak life. She is authentic and just so very lovely with her words.

Which got me to thinking.... what do others recognize about the way I live. The way I love? 

How can I use my gifts to bring Him glory? 

It's so easy to get distracted by the busyness of life. To allow ourselves to get so bombarded that we don't even have the time to use the gifts we are given. Life, indeed, can get messy.

But can I challenge you? And at the same time- myself? 

Let's take a few moments- right now, to recognize how we are gifted. 

Ask Him. He'll show you.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take that responsibility seriously. And if you have the gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)

So, what is your gift?

*Is it to prophesy? Could you share your heart?

*Is it to serve? Could you make a meal for a friend? Volunteer to watch her kids? Fold your laundry with a smiling heart?

*Is it giving? Could you give what you have to someone who may be too afraid to ask for help? Your time? Money? Talents?

*Is it teaching? Could you share you wisdom with love- doesn't matter if you are "officially" a teacher or not. If God has gifted you in this way- teach what you know!

*Is it kindness? Could you offer that willingly to a stranger? A friend? A grumpy soul needing some extra love?

*Is it leadership? Could you recognize where you need to lead? And step out.

These are just a few ideas. There are so many unique and creative ways to use your gifts :)

And now, this week, let's allow some room in our hearts and our days to use our gifts..... just because.

xo