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Shelf Life

Psalm 40:4 Blessed is the (woman) who makes the LORD (her) trust

Christmas shopping.  Believe it or not I've already started it.  Holiday procurement was far simpler when I was an elementary student.  The PTA hosted a store.  My mom gave me money.  My retail excursion was complete in a matter of minutes.

My kids have taken part in these as well.  One of Scott's prized possessions is his hulkish figurine holding up the words, "Incredible Dad".  I still love the plastic "diamond" ring Hannah (15) gave me one Christmas.  She was so distressed when her younger sister wore it to school and lost it, she bought me an identical one the next year.  Its' stone may not have been real but the love it was wrapped in was.

Shopping for treasures in the cafeteria was a pleasure shared by all my siblings as well.  I remember the Christmas a hokie present was opened by one sibling.  This present found a place of "honor" inside the bedroom closet behind closed doors.

I was reflecting today on the gifts of writing and speaking God chose to give me.  For so long I rejected the gift.  I kept trying to return it to the cafeteria store and believe me the PTA gives NO refunds.  I also tried to shelve it.  I hoped if I ignored it, it would simply go away. 

I witnessed the look on the other sibling's face when the gift was shoved in the closet.  Hurt.  Disappointed.  Rejected.  I wonder if that's how God feels when I take the gifts He's showered on me and try to downplay or cover them.

God desires for me to use my gifts with confidence.  He wants me to open the closet, grab the gift and proudly display it on the coffee table.  Not for my glory.  For His.

Jesus, I'm sorry I tried to reject Your present.  I never meant to hide it either.  Help me have the courage to unshelve Your gifts permanently.  When I do, this adventure of faith goes from shelf to life.

What gifts, talents and abilities do you need to take out of storage?

14 comments:

  1. Annette MastronAugust 12, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    Thought provoking Shannon, thinking of shelved gifts that I need to pull out of the closet. Thanks

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  2. janieAugust 12, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    I am often guilty of undermining the talents that God has blessed me with. Thank you for this reminder.

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  3. ShannonAugust 12, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    Annette, I know you have many talents and gifts. I love witnessing them unfold!

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  4. ShannonAugust 12, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    Janie, I am praying for you at this very moment for strength and confidence to unshelve those gifts!

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  5. UnknownAugust 12, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    You have such a wonderful way with words and really inspire me to be able to write in a way that will speak to others in the same way. God Bless you. I can't wait to read more. Sarah www.acceptingandembracingautism.com

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  6. ShannonAugust 12, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Sarah, so honored you stopped by today and pray you were refreshed. Have a purpose-filled day!

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  7. UnknownAugust 12, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Shannon, What a great post about God's view of how we treat the gifts he gives! Sometimes I wished he'd be LOUDER about what He wants us to do, but then again, maybe we just need to be quiter. You blessed my day - thank you!
    April

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  8. UnknownAugust 12, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Shannon, your parallel and challenge is so excellent! I, like you, have tried to shelve or return my gift of communication for years. At times in certain venues I've dusted it off and used it, with a rush of pleasure and intimacy with the Father. Recently God keeps drawing my heart to writing. At first I was embarrassed and nervous, what if I failed. I've learned though, that I only feel that way if I look at people's faces instead of His doting, paternal one!

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  9. ShannonAugust 12, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    April, love this "maybe we just need to be quieter". Thinking about sitting and hearing Him whisper in our ears life-affirming words about the gifts He's entrusted to us.

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  10. ShannonAugust 12, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Sweet Beck, can't you just imagine His face looking at you and glowing as He watches you blossom while using your gifts. Beautiful!

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  11. UnknownAugust 12, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    The best kind of post.....a challenging one. You are using your writing gift beautifully!

    Anita
    http://anita-whyibelieve.blogspot.com/

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  12. ShannonAugust 12, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Anita, you are so kind. Thank you for these sweet words of encouragement. Will be visiting your blog - bet I have a lot to learn there!

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  13. Quirky HomemakerAugust 18, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    It's hard accepting those gifts and using them, isn't it? I think we're all afraid of what other people will think. When the only whose thoughts matter are His. Well, you know what I'm trying to say! God doesn't want us to "bury" his gifts. I think of that Bible story a lot. Have a great weekend (soon!)

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  14. ShannonAugust 18, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Michelle, so true. We need to get out that shovel and dive into God's best for us! :)

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