You have been given a gift

My dad has the gift of compassion, humor, and connecting with others

During this Christmas time I have been reflecting on the individual gifts we each have as children of God. It is hard to see that we have a gift sometimes, because others do not see it or we compare our gifts with others and come up lacking. I remember when I was young feeling that no one could see my gift; I was a very fast thinking, analytical person, and felt undervalued as a youth but suspected that was because I had some growing up to do. When I was a young mother and felt "grown up" my gifts still went unnoticed by all but immediate family, so I started to doubt that I had any gift, other than cleaning my house and praying for strength to make it through another day. I wondered what "divine destiny" was for me. After all I had sung "My life is a gift, my life has a plan" as a child and was indoctrinated all my life with ideas that I was part of a "special generation in the last days."

After accepting my mediocrity, I started to try and increase my talents and share my gifts, however small they may be. Surrounded by so many others with their own amazing gifts, I still sometimes feel invisible and unneeded, yet I have learned and felt that Jesus Christ sees my gift, and my Heavenly Father knows what He created in me, so I have confidence in the gift I've been given. Though I may never get any accolades, impressive introductions, or appreciation for what I try to do here during "my mission," I know God accepts my offering and is pleased with my efforts.

In this world with all my limitations, I have tried to share my gifts with you. I hope that my book helps people, whether or not I am known as a great author, writer, or speaker. I want Wise Food Mind to be an ember that grows and grows until it is a flame that lights others' way. There are eternal truths in this work, and I've done my very best to make it accessible and applicable to all who need it. Please share my gift. You don't have to ask for my autograph, you just need to consider my words, apply them to your life, and share what you have learned with others. That is the best compliment I could receive.

You have a gift too. I am trying to recognize the gift in others and appreciate what they bring to this world. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, you have been given a gift from a loving and Eternal Heavenly Father. Share your gift.

The greatest gift we have all been given is Jesus Christ, and I rejoice that He saved us all from a fallen world, from Satan, and from our sins. Because of His gift we have omnipotentiality, the ability to increase our gifts forever, and will have all the Father has.