Somebody Needs What You Can GiveNumbers are significant to God.The number "9" signifies "gifts," and "fruit." 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 states thatwe are given nine different ways in which the Holy Spirit shows Himself in ourlives. And as with the "gifts of the Spirit" described in Galatians 5:22, theseare inner qualities that bless those around us when we share them.For those of us who love God and truly want to see His presence manifested inour lives, I believe that in 2009 it will be especially important to reach outto those around us with the gifts we are given.How we share our blessings, gifts, and talents with others is how we show God'slove and allow our lives to be a light to the world around us.Love is a verb - an action word. We can love those around us by our simpleactions of giving. Each of us has something to give our world. And somebody outthere needs what you can give!Giving is not about a financial thing -- although that is one way to give.Sharing with others stems from our inner being; it is giving of ourselves, ourtalents and our abilities. Today one of the most valuable gifts we can givesomeone may be our time.Any time is a good time to give, however, during seasons of struggle, hardship,or transition -- which many of us are experiencing now -- I think it isespecially important. It is easy to become self-absorbed, and feel we havenothing to give.But I assure you, you have something somebody needs. It may be a warm smile, ora friendly touch! I have found through my own experiences that when I'm goingthrough difficult times, it helps to make a deliberate and conscious choice togive of myself to others.While going through a series of very painful experiences, I visited a nearbynursing home and devoted a portion of every week to five elderly people who hadnobody else visiting them. My gifts to them were simple:I listened to stories of their childhood adventures.I held their hands and told them stories of my own.I joked with them.Sometimes I brought them soft cookies they could "gum" on -- or little bouquetsof flowers they could smell, even if they couldn't see them.By sharing simple acts of kindness with these precious seniors, not only wasGod's love manifested, but it brought me incredible blessings of joy andhappiness and allowed me to focus on the positive side of my personal life. Whenwe give to others it is impossible not to be blessed.In 2009, a year that I call "The Year of the Spirit," I encourage you to taketime to hear the small still voice within.Be sensitive to God's Spirit in every area of your life. Find simple ways ofsharing the gifts He has given you with the people around you. You will, inturn, find yourself filled with joy and contentment, as you become His handextended to a hurting world.Remember, your life is a gift from God - what you do with your life is your giftto Him.
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