I was doing some spring cleaning and found an old journal from 8 years ago . . .

” . . . took the trash out behind the wooden fence and into the alley. Looked up to see an umbrella going back and forth along the fence line. Heard a loud thud and the sound of metal hitting pavement. Opened the gate to see my 5 year old son sprawled on the pavement with a bloody knee on the twisted spokes of the umbrella. With tears and frustration and much disappointment, his trembling voice said, ‘Can’t . . . fl-fl–fly!’ . . .

“In that moment I realized I try to mimic what I see or hear without finding my own abilities, capabilities, gifts, talents or calling. I should stop skinning my spiritual knees by looking at others and seek God’s call on my own life.”

As a wife, mother, bible study teacher, speaker, writer, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, etc., I have looked to see how others are “doing” these same roles. I realized a while back that my own life is never going to be just like someone else’s. Not as a mother, a wife, a friend, a writer. I can learn from others, but I should seek to know God’s will for me. I love Mary Poppins, but I can’t “fl-fl–fly”!

How about you?

Celebrate the gifts He has given you:

• 1 Corinthians 7:7: “I wish everyone were single, just as I am. But God gives to some the gift of marriage, and to others the gift of singleness.”

• 1 Corinthians 12:4: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.”

• 1 Corinthians 12:18: “Our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it.”

• Ephesians 4:7: “[God] has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.”

• Hebrews 2:4: “God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose.”

—submitted by Kathy Lonsinger, Speaker and Founder A Gentle Answer Ministries