Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Starting the year off right

It's been one month since my last post. ONE MONTH! Yikes!

What have I been up to, you may wonder. I've been working some, but mainly I've been focusing on my family. I decided to take a break at the beginning of the year to spend quality time with my kids and we've done just that! Which brings me to the first lesson I wanted to share with you this year.

We have all been blessed with a variety of gifts and talents which we can use to touch others, bring in income, or just have a good time. Outside of being a Martha Stewart wannabe, my real passion is worship. I love to reflect on all God has done for me and in turn I end up singing. I belong to an amazingly talented and worship team at my church. (Check out their blog Worship For Life) Together with my team, I enjoy leading people to pour out their hearts in worship. It's something I've done for many, many years; since I was a tween, actually.

Last week, during our family's devotional time, I decided to really focus on leading my children in worship. Because they are young, I usually just sing songs to them or with them. I may worship while they watch or sing along, but never had I truly LEAD them in worship.

What happened was miraculous. It became so clear to me that leading my children to worship is the very reason I've been given my gifts.

That evening I learned that, as a mom, the greatest use I can make of any gift I have is right here with my family. The greatest act of service I could ever perform has to be for my family.

I encourage you talented moms and dads with big dreams: share your talent with those closest to you first. Whether you sew, bake, design, photograph, or whatever else your talent may be, give yourself to your family first. It is the most rewarding investment of your talent you will ever make.

xo
Debra