Using What You Already Have

I have a subscription to the daily devotional magazine Men of Integrity. It's a great little booklet to remind me of the attributes I should be developing, and it often provides inspiration when I'm not feeling particularly pleased with the way my life is going. I don't use it every day, but I am always amazed that -- when I do use it -- God seems to be really speaking to me. Directly to me. It's as if the editors have put in a call to God and have printed the magazine just for me. I guess it's not that amazing when I stop to think that God is always speaking to me...it's just that sometimes I'm not a very good listener.

Today's message really struck a chord with me. It had to do with recognizing and using the gifts that God has given me. I know that I have the gift to teach, and I am using that gift in my profession. I also know that I have the gift of writing, which I often allow to atrophy. I know I'm supposed to write -- I just have this uncanny ability to find other things to do instead. It's the area where I know that I'm just not listening closely enough. Maybe this blog is what I'm supposed to be writing...maybe it's a book...maybe poetry...maybe...Whatever it is, I need to listen if I am to learn what it is I'm supposed to do.

For those of you who write, you know that there are some very real fears involved, most of which are related to the fear of failure. The devotional provided the following quote: "A great deal of talent is lost to the world for the want of a little courage." (Sydney Smith, British writer) The devotional then provided this reminder for me from Deuteronomy 33:27 -- "The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you."

When I'm feeling that familiar fear about my writing, I now have a verse and a quote to turn to in order to inspire me. Now I just need to work on that listening thing...Thanks, Men of Integrity!