Abby and Eason,
You guys know I have had a wide variety of jobs – teaching gymnastics, sales, business leadership, digital marketing, toy maker, etc… It might seem like I have done a lot of things. But I would tell you that that is not actually true.
I know how to do one thing well, and I find places to do it that are interesting to me. The thing I do well is encourage and believe in people. I see how Jesus has gifted them and I help them see and believe in their gifting.
Rachel would tell you I did it in gymnastics when I saw her talent as a 5 year old and invited her onto a competitive team. She had recently lost her dad and needed to find her place. Knowing that I believed in her helped her believe in herself. Two years ago, Rachel graduated from Stanford, having competed in gymnastics throughout college.
Ryan and I met when I became his sales manager. At that time, had a 30 day notice to improve or lose his job. I saw that Ryan really loved customers but just needed to learn how to organize his conversation to help them see how the products he sold could help them achieve their goals. Ryan not only did not lose his job, but went onto lead the entire United States in sales.
Jae was unhappy with her 9-5 job as a designer, but she loved the idea that art could tell stories. I saw leadership, business acumen, and a strong love for people in Jae. Over many years we worked together, she stepped into leadership and led over 30 team members. Being able to focus on the strategic side of design allowed her to live her passion.
The Bible says we have been given spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12). A spiritual gift is exactly what it’s name says – a gift or talent given to us by the Holy Spirit. It is given to us as a gift we get to share and use for the common good of others (1 Cor. 12: 7) A spiritual gift isn’t because we are “great” at something. It is because Jesus is great. He allows us to be part of the story of sharing His name throughout the world, and the Holy Spirit manifests Himself for the common good as we share that gift with others. Isn’t it cool to think about the fact that we get to watch Jesus work THROUGH US and INSIDE OF US to reach the world with His name.
One of my strongest gifts is prophecy. The Holy Spirit has given me the opportunity to encourage others as they follow after the calling Jesus has placed on their lives. Sometimes I get to do that with other believers when we are talking about Jesus; other times I get to do that in business by helping people see things in themselves that they might not have seen or believed previously. Either way, Jesus gets the glory.
I have had the privilege of watching both of you through your whole life. I have seen you discover more and more who you are and what you enjoy. It’s fun to see you step with confidence into a task, situation, friendship, or event knowing who you are.
You’re discovering your gifts. You’re learning how to let the Holy Spirit work as you do the things you love. You’re learning that it really isn’t about you. It is about who your identity is found in – and that is God. You are His child. As you submit to Him more and more, you get to watch Him work and do things you could never do without Him.
One word of advice – Remember your gift is from Jesus. I am not “amazing” or “great” because of the gift. It was a gift, an undeserved gift. The same is true for you. Know your gift. Know that it is something amazing and special Jesus gave you. It isn’t something you deserved, earned, or accomplished. But, it is part of your identity. It is a way that Jesus has made you in His image, and it’s a part of Him that you get to share with the world.
I love you both so much and am loving watching you become who Jesus created you to be.
Mom