We’ve each been given a gift for doing certain things well. But our gift also comes with a burden. And, without the eyes to see, we might inadvertently interpret our blessing as a curse. Redeeming our gift is learning to accept it as good even when it comes with a cost.
Growing up there was a large part of us that just wanted to fit in and be normal. And, to be fair, we risked being bullied if we were too smart, sensitive, creative, or the like – anything that was too far outside of what everyone else was doing. Even at home, parents and siblings might have also given us a hard time if we didn’t fit neatly into the family’s expectations for us.
As such, we naturally started to see our differences as a curse. Why did we have to be born this way? Why can’t we just fit in like everyone else?
And even as adults our differences often still remain a point of shame. We create elaborate fig leaves and do our best to simply blend in with the status quo around us. But in doing so we also hide and diminish the gift God has given us to share.
Our gifts are unique – often causing us to stand out from others. And few might truly understand the depth and meaning of what we offer. As such, we might be called to many lonely roads on which we’re prone to be misunderstood. This is part of our burden. But this cost doesn’t make it a curse.
God has given us the ability to bring more life and goodness into the world. But we allow for darkness and despair when shame deceives us into believing our gift is no gift at all.
In the end, God has gifted you with doing certain things well. Don’t let the shame of being different from others hold you back. Redeem your gift and let it be a true blessing to the world around you.
Photo by Taras Chernus on Unsplash
