We’ve each been given a gift for doing certain things well – allowing us each to excel in our own unique ways. And while it often brings us joy to offer ourselves to others, this is sometimes a burden as well.
For instance, the gift of leadership often means others will look to us to lead. If we’re the planner, then we will regularly find ourselves in situations that desperately need planning. And if acts of service are our thing then we will rarely find ourselves without something to do.
Whatever it looks like, there’s often a blessing and a burden that comes with our gift.
On the one hand, we’re able to freely bless others – bringing life and goodness with actions that come relatively easy for us. And this fills our life with meaning and purpose, and allows us to feel fully alive by accomplishing the things God created us to do.
But it’s easy to take our gift for granted and grow resentful when it seems we’re the only ones offering ourselves in these ways. Why do we always have to be the one to lead, plan, or get things done? And it’s true this is not fair, as we’re carrying a greater weight than others.
But this is our burden and practice of love. We offer ourselves simply because this is what God has equipped us to do. And there’s no need to grow bitter because others are not doing the exact same thing we are. They have their own gifts and they’re responsible for offering these. Our gift is our burden and we remain responsible for it.
In the end, your gift will often require you to carry a burden not placed on others. Learn to carry this with gratitude and not resentment – loving others even when it’s not fair.
Photo by Khaled Ali on Unsplash
