Unwrap your God-given gifts and use your talents

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms."

- 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

When I was a young girl we had big Christmas celebrations.

My mother would invite family members and friends. Gifts were bought for all who would attend. Occasionally, someone was unable to attend; their gift was left unopened under the tree.

I remember longing to see what was in those unexposed packages. I was almost tempted to take a peek myself. I thought the fun of gifts was to be able to see them unwrapped.

Just as those gifts sat unopened under our tree, some people never bother to use their gifts and talents. They just sit there - never possessed, used or enjoyed. We all need the enjoyment of those gifts unwrapped, for ourselves as well as others.

The Lord blesses each of us with unique talents that should be used to honor him. In Exodus 35, God called the Israelites to come and use their gifts to help build the temple. It says, "Both men and women came, all who were willing-hearted."

Recognizing our gifts helps us to use them properly. It may be your voice, your hands, or your ability to listen. I know a woman who loves to bake. She uses her gift to bless newcomers at her church with baked goods.

A friend of mine doesn't like to bake, but she is a nurse and uses her gift of healing.

Not only are our vocations in life gifts, but our positions are, too. Our ability to be a good spouse, parent, or friend are all important gifts.

The gift of leadership helps us to lead our family or leads us into a management position. Many people think going to work is just a routine and never realize they are, in essence, using their gift.

Our Christmas tree represents Christ. We sit under his authority, just as those presents sit underneath our tree. We need to sit beneath heaven and open our gifts.

Take a look at your life and examine what gifts you have left to open.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available to speak at your church or group. She can be contacted at (847) 543-8413; P.O. Box 532 Grayslake, IL 60030; or Annetteebudzban@aol.com.