I didn't think my last blog post would lead to a part II until I started reviewing my personal list of why I love and appreciate myself. There's too much negativity in the world that likes tearing us down, so we must remind ourselves how awesome we are and how God created us uniquely. In the same vein, we must also find ways to multiply those qualities. Don't keep those great qualities to yourself; share them with others and watch God multiply them.
"The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.'" ~Matthew 25:20 (NIV)
I generated a sample list how you can share your precious gold.
-If you are a great in the kitchen, volunteer your time at a soup kitchen. Offer to cook for someone who just had a baby or surgery. Or invite people over and make them your favorite dishes.
-The same goes for those of you who like to bake. Bake something sweet and savory, take it to the office, and share. Bake some yummy goodness and make it for your children's friends. Make a batch of your most popular recipe and invite your neighbors for coffee and dessert.
-Do you like to write? Write thoughtful thank you notes to your family and friends and tell them what you like about them or how much you appreciate them. Please don't send it via text or email, but write it on a card and send it the old-fashioned way- USPS.
-Are you an athlete? Or an avid gym goer? Offer your expertise to those of us who aren't. ☺ We can all use an extra tip. Some people are too intimidated to go to the gym, but you can meet them there and teach them about the machines and weights. Gym buddies are perfect accountability partners.
-Do you have an area of mastery? Share what you know with those who may be lost and need guidance. It can be about home maintenance, fashion sense, taxes, applying for financial aid for college students, instructing how to take professional-style photos, etc. A few friends helped my youngest son decide what to choose for his college major based on their working experience.
-Do you own a car? Offer to drive someone who doesn't have one or needs a ride because their vehicle is in the shop.
-Do you have some spare time? Be willing to help someone move or need help moving furniture around in their home.
-Go shopping for someone or with someone. If you enjoy shopping and are keen on finding deals, help those who are not as savvy.
-Are you a good listener? Take the time to listen to those who may need to vent and be a supportive sounding board.
-If you are a prayer warrior, please enlarge your prayer circle and pray. We can all use the prayer support. You can't find one person who wouldn't appreciate the extra prayers.
We ALL have gifts and talents that we can bless others with. Bring what you have and watch what God will do with it.
"Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have [of value] in the house?" She said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a [small] jar of [olive] oil." Then he said, "Go, borrow containers from all your neighbors, empty containers—and not just a few. Then you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out [the oil you have] into all these containers, and you shall set aside each one when it is full." So she left him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they were bringing her the containers as she poured [the oil]. When the containers were all full, she said to her son, "Bring me another container." And he said to her, "There is not a one left." Then the oil stopped [multiplying]. Then she came and told the man of God. He said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest." ~2 Kings 4:2-7 (NKJV)
I highlight this passage because when Elisha asked the maidservant what she had of value, she brought what she had, and God multiplied it. You may not think what you have to offer is of any worth; however, I disagree with you. Take a chance; I'm confident someone will accept your gold willingly. And you may find that your timing was just right, too.
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