I’ve been thinking about this more and more:
Every single person has a strength, gift, talent, or way of being in the world that comes so naturally to who they are — so much so, in fact, that it’s easy for them to forget it’s a strength, gift, talent, or way of being in the world. It’s just always a part of who they are.
And yet, when this gift turned in the direction of community with intention, it can be absolutely transformative. Every single person has a rare gift like this. In fact, probably more than one.
Due to the pressures around us, our task load, expectations (our own or others’) and a myriad of distractions, there are times when this rare gift gets put to the side; we’ll get to it when we have time for it, or when we’re practicing better care of ourselves.
But we can stay rooted in our rare gift. Our family and community benefits from our gift. The world needs to receive our best, rare gift.
Protect that rare gift.
Do what you can to honor it. After all, when you’re living in connection with it, you probably feel most alive, right? Howard Thurman used to say, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”
Do what you can to make sure it gets time.
Do what you can to make sure it is addressing a larger purpose.
Do what you can to make sure that it gets care, and that you get care for yourself as the keeper of that gift. (And all that you are).
And
Put it into practice. Come alive.
Smuggling Grace 