Hi guys, as I sit here in tears writing this, I wanted to share a little bit of what the Illustrated Faith Enough devotional is doing for me. I just finished reading the third section, days 9-11, and also returned from spending the weekend in Indianapolis at the Illustrated Faith workshop.
So much is running through my head and I’m still processing it all so I apologize if I totally don’t make any sense, OK? The combination of the workshop with what CD is sharing with us has hit me hard. I’ve realized I’ve put myself in a self-made box of expectations, trying to do it all and been so drained and overwhelmed.
I’m doing things I’m not gifted to be doing, that someone else is better gifted to be doing… all because I thought it was what a “good Christian mom and wife” is supposed to do. It felt so good to sit down in my Bible and write down my God-given gifts this afternoon. It also made me realize that I’m doing things (and poorly, I might add LOL) that I need to relinquish to someone else better gifted.
I’m not supposed to do it all! PHEW, I feel so much better now!
When CD asks what makes our heart absolutely come alive with joy that bubbles over… I totally went back to this weekend. I went back to when I used to have monthly scrapbook parties at my house. I never got any scrapbooking done on those nights and I was totally ok with that. My joy came from helping my friends, teaching them how to use a product or software or talking through design.
What does that have to do with the workshop? Well, in the first section of the devotions, days 1-4, CD reminds us to “Live out your God-created identity!” The workshop put me in that position. All I did was be myself and the gifts, teaching and encouraging, just flowed out of me naturally (without any anxiety attacks, EEK) and with so much JOY! Have I told you that my One Little Word® this year is JOY?
That JOY bubbled over when I got back and on Sunday morning had three separate totally random sharing opportunities. God cracks me up with his “random opportunities”! I got to share my testimony, my love for art worship in my Bible and about the workshop and what Illustrated Faith is all about. I seriously don’t know if I’ve ever been so crazy excited and it only confirmed the need do this locally, not just in the online community.
Yes, I’m in tears writing this, but they are totally tears of JOY! 41 years old and I’ve finally found JOY and realized that I AM ENOUGH! I can’t wait to see how God uses me not just here, but in my local community too.
I also can’t wait to see how God uses each of YOU and your gifts in your communities.
– Heather
Thank you for sharing. I’m sure there are many of us who feel the same…however I honestly don’t have a talent, or if I do, I don’t know what it is.
Rhonda you may not know what your gift/talent is, but you can be confident that the Holy Spirit has blessed you with one.
Just last night at Bible study we were talking about our Idenity in Christ… 1Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Love how timely HE is in our studies and bringing the 2 together :)
I love you, Heather! You are amazing!
thanks for being brave
Heather…..I saw your JOY!! Your so gifted and reading this I have tears too! I related so much and I am so HAPPY for you! Blessings friend xo jackie
Jackie you are such a sweet friend, I will make sure Heather sees this!
Thank you my sweet gift from God!
Your heart makes me smile and your excitement blesses me…
I am gonna be like you when I grow up !!!
Can’t wait to meet you Doris!!! oxx
Heather’s post really speaks to me! I am 41 also, and have dabbled in a number of career areas so far, and am now a wife & mum of two… but don’t really know what I SHOULD be doing. What is it that GOD wants me to do?! I am in Australia – but am really hoping that this “You Are Enough” kit is available internationally soon. It sounds like the perfect thing I should be working through.
Beautiful sincere post Heather. Best of luck chasing your JOY. God bless you!
Oh this is sooooo true! I am a terrible perfectionist which makes it really hard for me to give over anything to other people because in my own silly mind I think that no-one can do it as well as I can. Which I know is not actually true. I have to learn to let go sometimes…
Don’t we all!? So glad we can all learn TOGETHER through HIM!!
Heather…I don’t know how I missed this entry…but I loved it today! You are a dear, precious and gifted child of God – and you shared so tenderly how CD’s Devotional has had an impact on your life! Thank You! I am still absorbing all the goodness that God intends for each of us – personalized to our relationship with Him as we work through this fantabulous devotion.
I have a few years on you (*ahem*) – but God is still revealing to me too those things that He has placed in me to be my PRIMARY gifts – and the things that He intends for me to find joy in doing. I say it’s never too early to start searching for those things…but it is also never too late!
Hugs to you sweet sister!
Heather…this is so beautifully written and with perfect timing for where I am right now. Our God is so good. My one little word for the year is courage. I am trying to break free of the things…that I have done for years at church so I can let God new a “new thing” in my life. It isn’t easy to let go for different reasons…but it is good and the time is right…right now. This post filled my heart with encouragement. Thanks for sharing your gifts as you seek His face and let us come along for the journey. Love your art and your heart!