Every life lesson I’ve learned this year is counted in my book as a great event. On the other side of each lesson – a better me emerged. I’ll share a recent one.
About 3 years ago, I decided to give up a side gig at a college where I’d worked for about 10 years. I felt the kind of tired that quietly but incessantly tells you to quit. The tired that wasn’t necessarily physical – just the one you feel when it’s time to move on. It was coming on to the summer session and a group of students begged me to stay and teach their class one last time. I gave in to their pleas and took the ride with them that summer. I gave it my best, even though I was weary in my soul. My students knew as I was very transparent with them. They were aware I was doing it for them.
We had a great summer. At the end we had a party to celebrate and they gave me a card. On the outside they signed their names and wrote some notes. For some reason, I forgot about the ‘card’ for 3 years. It was tucked away in the bag I used for that part time gig. One evening last week, the college asked me to cover a class for the next day as the instructor had an emergency. I obliged and felt quite happy to help out. I opened the bag and found my ID and parking pass for the institution [ fortunately, they had still kept me active in their system]. As I scanned through the bag, I found the ‘card’ the students had given me about 3 years ago. I opened it just to read what they had written. To my surprise, it was $100 gift card. I was truly taken aback!
How often we miss what has been provided for us because we choose not to ‘unpack or open’ those gifts we have been given. We sometimes seek to satisfy our perceived needs in places, things, and people that leave us empty. Funny – all along what we needed was right before our eyes. May I encourage you [and me] to seek wisdom and discernment as we walk into another year. Don’t leave earth with your gifts unwrapped. Be careful not to overlook or take for granted those gifts that come clothed in flesh – those whom God has given to us to make this journey meaningful. Treasure them – some gifts have expiration dates. I do believe God has gifted us with all we need to fulfill our earthly purpose – let’s unwrap those gifts. The world awaits the gifted you!
**As a side note – it is possible that I discovered my ‘gift’ just when I needed to. So, as you seek guidance, be reminded that timing is key. Don’t run ahead of God; trust Him for the perfect timing for your gifts to flourish.
***Thanks for reading – May you uncover the wealth of blessings that have been beautifully packaged for you in this lifetime.
Restored Hearts 