Have you ever taken one of the those Personality tests at work, where they identify your work styles? Or maybe a test that would help you to figure out what your spiritual gifts are? There are several on- line, and a multitude of books on the topic. I have. The results were about what I expected. A few surprises of course. The real rub for me comes in when I look at how I am using those gifts, or not using them as it may be. Some times, I find that even though a need (at school, at my church, in a small group) falls into my area of gifting, I don't step up. On the flip side, sometimes I step up, and step up, and step up, until I am over scheduled and stressed out. Sound familiar? I think the key is, to look at opportunities to volunteer, in your community, or in a ministry, and really hone in on the ones that are congruent with your gifts. Look at where you could have the most impact. If you are doing work that is congruent with your gifting, it shouldn't feel stressful, it should feel good I think. If you are taking on things outside of your gifting, then you'll feel stretched, stressed, and overwhelmed. On top of that, by taking on that role, you are denying someone who does have a gifting in that area, the opportunity to step up and contribute. As the school year wraps up, I am sure, like me, you are faced with planning for Fall already. I would encourage you to take a spiritual gifts test. Really think and pray about things before you step up and volunteer. But do step up. Use your gifts. I believe that spiritual gifts are a use it or lose it proposition. We have them for a purpose, and they are given with an expectation that we will use them for good. In the words of a friend of mine, who is entrenched in projects right now, "Even if someone would volunteer to set up the coffee and donuts for me, that would be HUGE!!". Sounds like a little thing, but each little thing adds up to accomplish a big thing.
I enter this new week a little tired, but smiling. Why? No drama this weekend. We had sunshine, and sports, and cuddle time--- less the drama. Most families don't experience the intense level of emotions that the Rhodes clan does. Sure, they have the hectic life of families, perhaps some fighting, the normal mess--- perhaps a little teen hormone induced drama....but we have drama of a different kind in our house. The kind of drama caused by a brain that is shooting off crazy chemicals induced by years of trauma. When our son Victor is home, the whole world is a great big land mine. Saying the wrong thing, calling him out on behavior, or even suggesting that he not eat a 4th serving of ice cream can cause the the peace to recede, and for chaos to ensue. He is now in a boarding school for kids with emotional issues. As sad as it is that our family isn't all together--- I must admit that the peace in our household is a welcome blessing. We are learning more and more
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