found: encouragement

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

 

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully, administering God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

Probably, just maybe that “whatever gift he has received,”  includes:

• how you generously make a meal for a family
• how you pour hours of your time into a handmade anything
• the cheer  you put into the perfect gift wrap
• the handwritten notes you sent to friends
• the patience and love you use in raising your children
• the kind words shared over coffee
• the way you pick up your husband’s socks from his side of the bed every morning
• the way your fingers dance across the keyboard as you write
• bearing your soul on canvas
• doing your part to keep an office running smoothly
• the attention you put into planning a weekly menu
• the long hours you work to support your family
• a smile offered to a stranger
• the way you seem to understand numbers unlike anyone else
• your passion for health and fitness
• the warmth that people feel when you are near
• the way you serve, defend, and protect our country
• the hours you spend caring for the sick
• how you lead a team of people
• your ability to fix just about anything
• the passion that shines within you for living life
• the childcare you provide for children who are not your own
• the way you lead a classroom
• the mountains of laundry you fold
• the endless wiping of noses
• Every item on  your to do list

What I’m trying to say, whatever your day holds, whatever gift you have received,

it could be just the grace someone needs today.