It's the new year and time to start thinking about how we'll be better people this year vs. last. Over the weekend, Louie Anderson, one of my favorite comedians ever was on "Celebrity Ghost Stories" -- his "ghost" story was about the divine visitation of his mother after her death (and before the phone call that she'd died.) It was a lovely story and such a tribute to this woman he obviously loved with his whole heart.
Louie was the 10th of 11 kids and his father was an alcoholic. To honor his mother, he used to host a "dry" New Years' Show. I never realized how New Years could really be a tipping point for recovering alcoholics and their families. What an awesome gift to give people a night of clean fun without alcohol. Because I don't drink, I never even realized when I saw him perform, it wasn't in a bar.
That's obviously a bigger deal for someone in standup comedy, but it really is giving back to the world in an incredible way. I think sometimes we don't think much of our gifts because we do them naturally, out of reverence. But I bet if you search your life right now, you'll find something that YOU give the world that you take for granted.
The idea of a "dry" New Year's Eve is absolutely awesome!
Posted by: Leslie | January 07, 2013 at 06:36 AM
I read this a little bit ago and thought I didn't have any gifts for the world, my life is to quiet and low-key. I kept thinking about how I wish I had a gift. I've always wanted my life to be something special but no matter how hard I work nothing ever comes of it, it seems. Then I remembered a person in my life, someone in need right now,I can put aside some of my stuff to be there for them, it nots going to change my situation or make me special at all but maybe being kind will comfort them,
Posted by: Tonya | January 07, 2013 at 09:48 AM
that in itself is a huge gift!!! i'm sure that person will be very thankful you are there for them. people that drop what they are doing to be there for the suffering are too few and far between!
Posted by: katie | January 07, 2013 at 10:20 AM
Im sure theres so much youre overlooking so much.
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Posted by: Kristin Billerbeck | January 07, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Amen.
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Posted by: Kristin Billerbeck | January 07, 2013 at 10:52 AM
I can respect that. The last comedy show I was it the comedian was drinking during his show and parts of it was funny but most of his comedy was profane and not really that funny. So someone who doesn't need alcohol as a crutch is cool.
One of the nice things I enjoy about being a pastor is that I get a bird's eye view of some of the gifts people have in my church. I love watch people being able to enjoy doing something they are good at and bless others in the process.
Posted by: Tony | January 07, 2013 at 06:44 PM
Sometime in the last couple of years, I was really seeking God for direction in a particular matter, and kept asking Him my purpose in all of it. What seemed like a random word suddenly popped into my head - CONDUIT. (MW defines as: a natural or artificial channel through which something is conveyed.)
My husband is a retired electrician's helper, so the word was not unfamiliar to me, but still, it just seemed sort of random. But I couldn't dismiss it. So I prayed about it, and the Lord showed me that was my role in life. I am a CONDUIT. I can't make things happen - for my family, for my authors, for myself - on my own, but I can be a conduit. A channel God can use to convey. I just have to be willing to follow His lead.
Posted by: Tracy | January 07, 2013 at 09:17 PM
I think Im a crunch girl. Totally there for people in crises. Not good consistently. Today someone paid back that gift tenfold and it showed me that it is important.
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Posted by: Kristin Billerbeck | January 07, 2013 at 10:19 PM
One New Year's Eve a bunch of couples were sitting around and talking about our giftings... Graphic art, music, handy around the house, sewing, craft, painting and decorating. It was amazing to consider everyone's gifts and they looked at me and asked me and I said "making others feel useful"! As an introvert I see where u fall short of others gifts, but I know that I am unique:)
Posted by: Ozjudy | January 08, 2013 at 06:22 AM
Yes you are!! Love you for it!!
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Posted by: Kristin Billerbeck | January 08, 2013 at 06:32 AM
Yep
Posted by: NickiNooOz | January 08, 2013 at 08:05 AM
My mom says that I’m the rational one in the family and if you come to me for advice and give me about 10 to 15 minutes to ponder on it; you know it will be sound advice. My husband says I just think too much. :)
-Alecia
Posted by: Batesa3 | January 08, 2013 at 09:03 AM
No thats good!!!! Last night when I was losing it my mother calmly took care of things. We need thinkers!!!!
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Posted by: Kristin Billerbeck | January 08, 2013 at 09:07 AM