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, NIV
“It’s my birthday this week,” Taniesha whispered in my ear. After I inquired if she would be getting a birthday cake, this troubled foster child informed me that she was too old for that, leading me to believe she was repeating what she had been told.
Taniesha and I seemed to hit it off. She liked music and behaved better for me than for most of the teaching staff. When I heard about this birthday, the Lord prompted me to do something special for her. So I made a quick trip to the local supermarket and picked up enough cupcakes for her class. When she saw them, she jumped up and down, hugged me, and exclaimed over and over, “Oh, goody, a party! Thank you, thank you, Mrs. Wilson!”
Then she excitedly ran to show her classmates.
After reflecting on Taniesha’s response, I realized that when I gave the gift to her, she then had something she could give in return to others. Like so many foster children, she had been deprived of anything of her own to give away.
What gifts has God given you, spiritual or otherwise, that you can use to help or encourage someone else? Do you have a special knack for doing artwork, bulletin boards, and displays? Are you gifted at counseling troubled children or other staff members? Can you share a talent with your school in drama, dance, or something otherwise outside of the normal curriculum?
God gives us gifts, not so that we can hoard or merely enjoy them for ourselves, but to give them away. Ask God to show you how you are uniquely gifted for the needs of your school. Once you have determined how you can serve others with your gifts, stand back and enjoy the party!
God, please show each of us what it is we have to give away. We can share love and joy—amazing joy and peace in these sometimes difficult times. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Copyright Shirley Wilson.
Shirley is a retired member and former board member of Christian Educators.
