seeing the gifts in others

Last night I dreamed that I was on an airplane. In the row in front of me, a young man was listening to music and singing. Out loud. It would have usually been annoying, but he had such a beautiful voice, no one minded. In fact, there was a feeling around him as if we were all witnessing something special.

I tried to celebrate with him, his beautiful voice. He could not see it. We all tried to help him understand that he had a very special gift. He listened, but he was not real sure about all of these old folks asking him to use his gift.

....I think lots of people have gifts and talents that they do not see, or just can't bring themselves to use. Paul told Timothy, to "stir up the gift of God, that lies within you..."

When we see people as gifted, we can't see them as enemies or irritants. They are God's children, and they are all gifted for service to Jesus Christ in this world. Who have you encouraged lately? Who around you might need a boost? When you see a gift in someone, be sure to mention it. Tell them that they are blessed and that they should use that gift for the purpose of Christ.

Maybe you need to hear this yourself. You. You are gifted. Stir up the gift that lies within you. You were created to love and live and serve. See the gift and be the gift.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.