Before our son left for his job in Japan, we took him clothes shopping. He needed business suits, and since he is 6’ 7”, that isn’t an easy task. He hated going shopping because of the difficulty finding something to fit his slender, tall frame.

We arrived at a men’s clothing store and were greeted by a beautiful young woman named Carlie, who made us feel welcome. She brought suits for him to try and our son hesitantly obliged by taking them into the changing room. When Scott came out, he came out a different man. He looked great! He was thrilled to have something that looked good and actually fit.

Carlie was wonderful as she helped him find suits, shirts, ties, and even pocket squares. The time we spent with her was a delight for our whole family. She and our son talked about Japan and how she and her husband had thought about one day visiting that country. I tell ya, we were tearing up by the time we left as God had answered prayers in getting our son ready for his big trip.

Because Scott so enjoyed Carlie, he ordered books that taught Japanese to share with her and her husband. She was very touched by his thoughtfulness. And the cool thing is, Carlie and her husband used the books and now can write and read a little Japanese. Scott was thrilled to hear of their progress, and it blessed my heart to see how he shared, and gave me great joy to see how the gifts were used.

One thing it made me realize is when God gifts us with something, when we enjoy them, use them for His glory, I’m sure that blesses Him with joy.

God blesses each of us with gifts. However, we have a choice how (and if) we will use what He gives us. His gifts are meant to be used. The illustration given by Jesus in Matthew 25:14-30 reminds us to be diligent to use the gifts we are given.

The servants who used their master’s gifts were blessed. “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” ~ Matthew 25:21 (NKJV) The servant who did not use his gift, lost the gift and was punished.

Goodness, I don’t want to lose my gift and I sure don’t want to lose the joy of my Master. I want to enter into the joy of my Lord! I believe I’ve been gifted and called to write; therefore I need to keep writing. As I use His gift for His glory I believe I’m bringing Him joy which gives me joy. Woot! Joy party for us all!

What gifts has the Lord given you? Are you using your gifting? Please don’t miss the joy, because joy comes for the faithful servant.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” ~ 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” ~ Romans 12:6-8 (NASB)

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NASB)

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