A Gift that Shines

We are not promised tomorrow, but if we are awake today, breathing in, breathing out, we have a purpose.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always focus like I should on that purpose.  Some days I am just a swirl of distraction, flitting around like some overexcited bee in a garden full of spring flowers.  I am busy, but don’t stay at any one flower for too long.  Thus at the end of the day, I think, what did I do today?  Some days I am just a grump, a stagnant pool of complaints and bitterness.  Yuck!  Nothing is getting done, and I know it. 

But on the really good days, I SHINE.  I look at the day ahead as God intended, an opportunity to teach, encourage, & bless the people He very purposely puts into my path. 

Today is a day like that.  On days like this, I fully embrace the opportunity to learn & grow in Him, and become more of the woman He created me to be.  I am up, I have my purpose in mind, and I am going to be a blessing today.  This morning my opportunity will be leading music at cowboy church with my sweet hubbie.  I am always amazed at God & what he teaches me through this task of leading praise and worship. 

Already this morning, in preparing for the church service, I have been reminded of how we are each fearfully and wonderfully made… And how each day is skillfully crafted by our loving God… a GIFT to each of us. 

Also, I have been reminded of how I love to make things, especially as a gift to someone I love.  I take time to make it special.  I love that gift as I make it because I love its recipient.  When I give that gift to whomever it’s intended, I want them to love it, too, to use it well, to understand the love I put into it. 

Since I am created in His image, I think God maybe feels the same way about us.  Most likely, He wants us to use the gifts that He has given us with the love and care He has put into them.  He has given us a wonderful mind, a strong body, a mighty spirit, & a portion of time.  How happy it must make Him when we use the gifts He’s given with the love and honor He intended.

So today, don’t forget that you have been given a GIFT by Someone who loves you.  I pray that we will all have the GRACE to receive it and use it in a way that honors Him.