Question to consider: How can I make the best use of what God has given me?
“5/21
“What am I good at? (I see arguments and weaknesses in every area I think of – am I truly good, or even fair, at anything?). Shortfalls aside, here goes:
- Organization (when boundaries are clear – e.g., ABCs)
- Basic computer skills
- Math skills
- Cooking (when I actually take the time and make the effort)
- Sewing (same)
- Cleaning (same)
- Loving/Caring
- Listening (mostly)
- Pretending to be interested (occasionally)
- Being friends with kids
- Playing games
- Swimming
“Lord, show me ways to use these in service to You.”
Dearest Rachel –
There are some days on this journey through the Purpose-Driven Life when it seems you were truly beating yourself up; this is certainly one of those days. I wish I could reach out and console you about the fact that you seemed to think what talents you had were woefully inadequate for the calling to which you (and, when you come down to it, each and every one of us) were called.
As I’ve said on previous weeks, you made a tremendous impact in peoples lives; the fact that you didn’t always see it, while something of a pity, didn’t make that fact any less true. One of the last items of so called ‘talents’ on your list, in particular – that of being friends with kids – will truly echo for generations. The stories I hear from Junior (because of your direct impact on his own kids) and Larry (as he tells your story to kids up at camp) suggest that you left – and continue to leave – a lasting impression on children that may not remember you personally, nor recognize you on sight, but who, because of you, will one day show up where you are for you to greet at the gates of heaven, because of you and your influence.
Of course, who am I, and what is my feeble attempt to try and console you? You’ve probably already received the full consolation of your reward from the One who assigned you your task in the first place. You’re most likely able – should you be so inclined – to look down upon those who hear of your story and respond to it, and celebrate with the angels with each additional soul that comes to Him because of it. You know that you left a mark; and from your vantage point, you must be able to see it. Anything I could add would be redundant.
Still, thank you for wanting to be able to do more; would that I be able to do likewise going forward.
Letters to Rachel 