"There is nothing...

...Enlightened about shrinking so that others will not feel insecure around you," -Nelson Mandela. Lately on my quest for increased enlightenment :), my mind has opened up to embracing all the gifts I have been blessed with, as an expression of gratitude. I am not talking about the "stuff" I have or any external blessings, even though I am grateful for abundance in that area of my life as well... What I am talking about are the unique talents, skills, ideas, motivations, etc. I have inside of me.

God has given us this particular life, here on earth, in our particular bodies, as an opportunity to further increase awareness of Him and therefore increase the awareness of ourselves as a part of Him. But beyond developing our own awareness we are here to help each other collectively, develop this awareness.

At first some of us are only capable of thinking of ourselves (for a variety of different reasons) but with diligent effort and tremendous honesty we can move beyond our self-centered-ness. We can begin the realize that the gifts we have are not meant to take up residency in our minds, fighting with their neighbors; insecurity, fear and failure. They are meant to go out in the world to be expressed, embraced and used to help God and the world.

Whoa. Right? Sounds pretty grandiose doesn't it? But think about it...

To say that we have no gifts or that we have nothing to offer is kind of like saying to someone you love (God), "Thanks for the beautiful gift(s) you have given me but I am too embarrassed, insecure, afraid etc. to show it to anyone or use it. I'll just put it in a safe place out of the way to "protect it"". Unfortunately over time, we risk forgetting that it's even there and we miss our opportunity to be of Service while we are here.

Many people struggle to find their self-worth and special gifts and as a result end up feeling as though they didn't do anything they "could have" done while they were here.

I believe it helps to think of using the gifts we have as our responsibility. Our responsibility to the Bigger Picture, the world and everything in it. No matter how insignificant we think we are. It may also help to remember that expressing our gifts is an act of gratitude to God for all the blessings we have been given in our lives.

It is after all the season for Thanksgiving...Have a wonderful holiday and God Bless.