Gifts...
Celebrating the Intrinsic Blessings, Talents, and Grace We All Have to Give As the sights and sounds of the holiday season fill our homes, cars, and offices with the festive cheer of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, our minds often turn to gift lists and holiday spending. But beyond the material things we buy, what about the invaluable gifts we don't have to purchase? This heartwarming holiday reflection explores the intrinsic, God-given gifts we all possess—from talents in music, writing, and teaching to the essential mental health tools of balance, empathy, and compassion. As we check off our traditional shopping lists, this post reminds us to thank God for the divine gifts He placed within us, using them as good stewards of His grace to touch and alter the lives of those around us.
RELATIONSHIPSHOLIDAYS
Gifts: Recognizing and Sharing the Divine Treasures Within Us
Are you as excited as we are in welcoming this holiday season? The looks and sounds of Christmas are here, and my favorite Motown Christmas songs are playing in my home, car, office—wherever I am! I'm enjoying learning about Hanukkah from dear friends of the Jewish faith, and welcoming Kwanzaa, too!
As I was clearing my Christmas list and anguishing about the amount of money I spent, I thought about the gifts we don’t have to buy—the gifts that can change the direction of a life and sometimes even alter important history.
You may not even realize it’s a gift. Some may look at these attributes as talent, preparation, opportunity, and tenacity. That’s true, but I count those as blessings—perks that accompany the core gifts God gives us. Think of it like having a talent in music, paired with the unique, divine gift of voice.
The Intrinsic Gifts We Carry
These are the intrinsic gifts God provided that we all have to offer and give, whether we acknowledge them or not.
Artistic & Creative Gifts: Voice, dance, writing, teaching, painting, and expression.
Emotional & Psychological Gifts: Balance, calmness, empathy, compassion, and deep sympathy.
These psychological and emotional traits are much-needed tools that teach others how to stay grounded, mentally capable, and emotionally healthy. They provide the balance that helps all of us excel in our purpose.
The Gifts Money Cannot Buy
Traditional Holiday GiftsDivine Intrinsic GiftsWrapped in paper, bought in storesWrapped in spirit, given by GodTemporary and subject to wearEverlasting and life-changingRequires financial sacrificeRequires openhearted willingnessBrings brief seasonal joyTouches hearts and alters life stories
A Holiday Reflection on True Giving
So, as we cross items off our traditional gift lists this season, let’s remember to thank God for the divine, intrinsic gifts we’ve been given as well.
I guarantee that your gentle word, thoughtful deed, steady presence, or artistic expression has touched—if not completely changed—someone’s perspective and possibly even altered their life.
Thank God for what He has placed inside of you, and share those gifts generously. God bless you!
S.K. Caraway, Director
thesonyakarolfoundation.org / sundaybelievers.org
1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.