Using your gifts- 5 free things that make a difference
Using your gifts- 5 free things that make a difference
We are surrounded by people who need things, gifts.
Not earrings or books or candles, but instead, gifts of us.
The person who sees their need and acts.
The elderly lady all dressed up, maneuvering her cart in the busiest hours of the grocery store, who perhaps waits all day hoping for some interaction with another human.
The friend who lost her husband, and is drowning in fear and the realities of life without him.
The small business owner, who is desperate to know he is not alone as his dreams slip through his fingers.
The mom who is at the end of her rope, and feels alone in her struggles.
The college kids who want to make right choices but don’t have a mentor to guide them.
The new people in the community, who keep trying to meet people, and find closed garage doors and empty streets in the neighborhood.
The intimidated person at church who smiles, and hopes someone established will smile back and say hello.
The man on the street who knows people judge him for his filth and lack.
(Sam @ Heavenonearthblog.com inspires us to learn “how” to love our neighbors. Check it out here.)
If not material gifts, then what?
Gifts offered to others, or ones received with deep appreciation and delight, they are a unique part of my love language.
Yet, there are offerings that are given to us with the intent that our hands hold loosely.
 Some presents we give away after we receive them, they are never meant to hold on to. Â
Their value is premium, and best enjoyed passing on to another who needs it more than we do.
(Nicole @Couragehopelove.com wrote a great piece called “How to really carry each other’s burdens“)
5 free things we can offer that make a difference
Availability – Keeping our schedule full of us so that we have no time left for others is a detriment to all. Leave room for the unexpected
Love– Holding our feelings captive, afraid if we expose them we’ll be hurt keeps us stingy with our emotions. Give freely without expectation (it is ok that this takes practice, extend tons of grace to yourself too!)
Compassion– Judgement…it  is a poor substitute for kindness. Determine to approach with an attitude of interest and humility
Lessons– If we learn through an experience, often we can help someone else in a challenging season. There is freedom in sharing our story and comfort for someone in the midst who needs to know it isn’t “just them”
Home-Â Closing our doors means closing ourselves off, building walls instead of bridges. People don’t need perfection, just an invitation. It makes an inestimable difference
How do we gift these gifts to people?
It is so simple really, we start with saying yes instead of filling our minds with reasons to say no.
Allowing margin in our schedules offers two distinct advantages. One, we find time to rest and restore. Two, out of that peace, we are able to be available for others.
It can be a shallow life if we keep it so busy doing “stuff”, we miss being “life” for a hurting friend.
Choosing vulnerability can be scary, but it also holds amazing potential for impacting others.
When we love without predetermined safety nets, we might find that WE are the ones blessed in unpredictable ways!
James 1:22Â But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.Â
What if people hurt us?
There are people who take advantage of our gifts. But if we give them freely, we don’t need to worry about that. Because we are giving it away, they are responsible for what they do with it.
Letting go means we have compassion and share our stories without needing to know their whole story.
Colossians 3:12- because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others
Opening our doors without worry of our house being just right (as if!) or our food decadent or our furnishings sufficient. People just want to be welcomed. Wanted.
Giving these gifts is possible for each of us. We are designed to be generous of spirit!
Be authentically YOU and know that every smile, every gesture given freely, makes an impact.
Your turn- What would you add to this list?
Such a lovely post. Yes, I completely agree that gifts that are sent with Love are often the precious ones.
Availability is key! Love this post 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
I love this Christa – especially your encouragement to give our time and availability. It’s something that I try to be conscious of – leaving that margin in my schedule and then putting myself out there and inviting others in. As an introvert, it’s not always easy, but I’m so delighted when folks say how much they appreciate my willingness to pursue them for friendship. That’s a gift that gives back!
What an excellent perspective, it really DOES give back. Sometimes we don’t “feel” like reaching out, being available. Especially during busy seasons. But it is a rare thing to not feel rewarded in surprising ways. Thanks for sharing Tiffany!
“People just want to be welcomed.” How true. Thank you so much for these reminders and that love, time, and attention and some of the best gifts of all. (Thank you also for the link back to my blog Christa!) – Love your blog, it’s so beautiful!
Hi Sam! Your sweet words were so welcome today. Thank you!