Gratitude Day 353

Thurs., Nov. 7, 2019

1 Corinthians 14:40:  But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Can I tell you a little secret?

I’ve discovered a new spiritual gift about myself.

Actually, it’s not new. It’s been hanging around FOREVER. I’m just finally willing to admit something to myself.

In the New Testament, we hear about different spiritual gifts. You know, the things God gifts us with. Special things that God has graced us with an extra dose that we are just a little better at than the average, normal person.

We’re told that we ALL have spiritual gifts. Some people are leaders while others are gifted with teaching. I know some people who are bathed with wisdom and others who are mighty pray warriors and have the gift of intercession; praying on the behalf of someone else. We can quickly identify the people in our lives who are helpers and who has hospitality down to a tee.

Just how many spiritual gifts there varies a bit. Some biblical scholars say 22. Others say less. The truth is there are A LOT of potential spiritual gifts … and we have ALL been blessed with at least a few.

Over the years, I have taken a variety of spiritual gift tests. These are designed to assist people in identifying what spiritual gifts are high on their radar screen. Many of these tests also clarify what spiritual gifts we have not been graced with. These types of tests are especially helpful when building a team or leadership group. It’s best to have people with a variety of gifts. If everyone is a visionary on a team, implementation of all those great ideas will be a problem.  

In all of those spiritual gift tests that I have taken, there is one spiritual gift that I know I have that never shows up: Procrastination.

Yep. There it is. My secret spiritual gift that I have been trying to keep under the radar for YEARS. Well, maybe decades. And sometimes, not so well.

Often, I have labeled my procrastination as “not having enough time.” I justify delaying something because I have not yet been inspired to tackle something. I often convince myself that I truly get more done when I have more things to do. Often, this is true.

Unfortunately, I also have a great track record of pulling things together in the 11^th hour. Even if I have utilized my spiritual gift of procrastination, things often come together in the end. Another spiritual gift of mine, making sure everything is just right, conflicts with procrastination. Because I have delayed doing something, making everything error free or just right becomes a bit overwhelming in the end.

I also find a ton of opportunities to assist in procrastination these days. I hop on the internet to look one thing up. And 30 minutes and six websites later, I remember what I intended to look up. A quick look at a social media account that swallows up 20 minutes or reading online news or playing a game on my phone are all wonderful procrastination enablers.

Truthfully, I love order. My heart is at peace when things are in their place. I use a variety of ways that help keep my life somewhat focused. But all the best systems in the world won’t overcome procrastination … unless I choose otherwise.

There are moments when I feel I keep ahead just a little bit. It’s a lovely feeling. So why do I allow myself to let procrastination sweep back into my life?

Because I’m a Christian who needs grace. Daily. No matter how skilled my spiritual gifts may be or how well I try to implement them, I will always be just a little shy of where I’d like to be.

And this, my friends, is where grace steps in. Grace reminds me that I don’t have to be perfect. Or off the charts. I just need to partner with God and appreciate the unique and special ways God has blessed me.

Do I stop working hard? Or trying to kick procrastination to the curb? No.

I know procrastination isn’t really a spiritual gift. It’s more like a thorn in my side that I struggle with. But isn’t it more fun to think of it as a spiritual gift?

Today, I value myself and the ways God has called me to serve. Do. Be. And celebrate all the spiritual gifts God has instilled within me because God loves me. Today, I love myself, procrastination and all.

For embracing ALL of my spiritual gifts, I am grateful. 

Almighty God – thanks for blessing me with special spiritual gifts; ones that I use daily within Your kingdom. May I embrace that I still struggle with parts of my personality. I pray that I see Your grace as enough to help me love myself as much as You love me. Amen.  

Blessings –

Dianne

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