Ever forget to eat? Just plain forget?
I’m not talking about missing a meal because it would have been rude to interrupt what was going on to mention that your belly was rumbling beneath your clothes….
I’m talking about forgetting. Forgetting to eat….
Think back. What were you doing? My guess is that it wasn’t because you couldn’t stop what you were doing and go find some food, but you were doing something you really loved. Or something that captured your attention…
What was it?
- Parenting?
- Helping a friend?
- Painting a picture?
- Writing a story?
- Talking on the phone to a hurting friend?
- Playing Video games?
I know for me, if I’m gardening I don’t even think about eating. Last week I began with a simple project of planting a rose bush my husband gave me. Before I knew it, the bush was planted, yet I found myself trimming the brown palm fronds, watering the flowers, fertilizing the plants and covered in dirt! The afternoon had gotten away from me! And as I surveyed my yard, I was delighted to seeing the Frangipan blooming and the green of the palm trees swaying in the hot breeze. My stomach didn’t even seem to notice I had skipped lunch.
And that’s weird! Me? Not think of food?! But I love, love, love gardening!
Or Helping a friend… I love to help others and think that I may have done something to make their life a little better…. it’s as if I’m in a different space and time and I get lost in what I’m doing and don’t even think about the outside world… Helping a friend isn’t a chore, instead it charges me up!
So what is it for you that makes the clock stop ticking? These are clues into your passions. Your giftings ( I think I just made up that word!).
Passions are the sauce to life – what makes life tasty, flavorful, and satisfying! That’s where you find your “gifts.” Your talents that are worth developing.
Stop and think.
It might be something vitally important like helping the homeless, or something that seems a bit more trivial like playing video games.
Each is an important clue. That’s worth thinking through to find what makes life meaningful for you.
Take video games….
Yes, even playing video games can give you insight into your passions. What is so enticing and captivating about playing video games? Is it the graphics and characters? (doubt it) Or is it the competition – with yourself and others? Perhaps your competitive drive spurs you on to try harder next time… Could it be your quest to overcome and prove to yourself that you can get better at something the more you try?
If you’re having a tough time nailing down your passions and what you’d like to pursue, take a moment to think about what gets your heart beating? What excites you?
And then ask yourself –
Why? Look for the bottom line.
What is it about _________________ that captivates me?
God has planted in each of us gifts and passions. Find yours and build them into your life. Your days will delightfully grow with significance!
Take…
A Minute to Meditate
As you read through these verses I want you to remember that God gives His direction/commands for one of two reasons: To bless you, or To protect you. (He loves you! It’s that simple)
1 Timothy 4:14 (NIV)
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Romans 12:6-21 (NIV)
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.
When we follow God’s directions, our days grow into a life that has meaning and purpose.