We have gifts, and others do, too.
In the lecture Ray and I attended last week, Dr. Kelly M. Kapic encouraged us to honor the Giver of gifts.
Every good thing given
and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
James 1:17
He encouraged us to take delight in other people, to be on the lookout for the things others do well, and to tell them.
He encouraged us to honor each other’s gifts. He said that when we notice and compliment the gifts we see in others, we are helping them to know what their gifts are. I love that idea. We can do this with our children and with everyone else around us.
Realizing our dependence on one another can help us focus less on ourselves and how others see us.
The Wounded Scout, a Friend in the Swamp
by John Rogers,
Courtesy of Smithsonian American Art Museum,
Gift of John Rogers and Son
Then we can see others’ gifts more clearly. We can also see their needs.
As each one has received a special gift,
employ it in serving one another
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10