For Thy Gifts  

At the time of our birth, each of us was blessed with a number of things, and each given a special gift unique to the individual.  Each gift will use the best assets of that person.  But it is up to each individual to discover their gift for themself.  Most are fortunate to discover it early in life, but Grandma Moses didn’t begin painting until in her 70’s.  That’s a long time to wait.

When I was in high school, I believed that I was given the gift of art.  I draw well, as my sisters continually harp on me for neglecting this gift.  But I don’t believe that this is the "GIFT" I was endowed with.  My gift is writing.  Well, actually, any form of communication comes easy to me.

I’ve always had a love for words, and been able to write in a variety of styles.  In high school, I was occasionally accused of plagiarizing someone else’s work since my written communication style rarely matched my speaking style.  (Ain’t that a shame!)

I love writing, to see an idea take form in a manner that others can understand.  I hate being at a loss for words, which happens sometimes when there is so much I want to say.  But writing allows me time to reflect, to reshape and reform the words before they are published.  It allows for an exactness that is missing when speaking.

I would like to say that I kept up with writing all my life, but LIFE got in the way as I became a wife and then a mother.  And I turned my focus to my family as it should have at that point of my life.  But the wife part has ended, and while I will always be a mother, my youngest will shortly be 18.  It is time to refocus my energies into my life.

So I write again, and have found so much joy.  And I’ve recently taken up drawing again; that too is enjoyable.  I’m probably never going to get rich with this gift, but I doubt that’s why we’re given a gift.  I think we get a specific gift so that we can share part of ourselves, our inner self, with others.  My gift helps others learn, but I’ve learned from the gifts of others as well.  It is a continuing cycle of interaction, bringing out the best of all of us.

For the gift of life, I give thanks.
For the gift of family - father, mother, brothers, sisters, I give thanks.
For the gift of the earth, water and sky, I give thanks.
For the gift of joy, laughter, tears, and sorrow, I give thanks.
For the gift of my children, I give thanks.
For the gift of knowledge, wisdom, and stupidity on my part, I give thanks.
For the gift of the people who I meet, I give thanks.
For the gift of friends who brighten my life, I give thanks.
For the gift of the experience of ecstasy and pain, I give thanks.
For all that I have felt, experienced, and lived; for today and for tomorrow;
My Lady and My Lord, for all of creation, I give thee thanks.
 

 

© 2001 Mother