Unhappiness, for me, can often be better described as a lack of fulfillment. I have been in this state for some time now, and I have only just recently taken some time off from my pouting in order to do a bit of reflection and prayer about it. Here is what I’ve found.
I thought back to the times when I felt most fulfilled, when I felt the “happiest”. I asked myself questions like, what were the circumstances, who was I around, what was a doing, how much time was a spending with the Lord, how much was I working, how much was I not working, things like that. After hours of thought, I found the common denominator. The question had the same general answer all the way, no matter what the circumstance was; what gifts am I using?
God has gifted me with a passion to create and the ability to lead. And as I look back on times in my life where I felt true fulfillment and purpose, without a doubt, every time I was endeavoring into something creative and or leading a team of some sort.
The answer is simple, the use of our gifts and passions brings us joy by serving others.
And this extends to you no matter what your gifts are. Whether you are an encourager, a teacher, a wise man or woman. Or it could be more physical things. If you love to write, read, garden, or build things, no matter what it is, if it’s a true passion of yours, it will help bring you joy.
Now I am not equating gifts and talents with fulfillment. We can only find true fulfillment in Christ. But I know that I am much more joyous, kind, generous, and willing to do His Kingdom work in this world when I’m working on things that I’m passionate about. And guess what? God made you passionate about these things for a reason, maybe even perhaps because He wants to use them for His glory.
To live your life without using your passions and talents is like a cheetah who decides never to run fast. He’s denying his true self, it’s how he was created. And while I’m not sure if running swiftly through the plains of Africa bring the cheetah joy or not, you can be sure that he uses his gift every chance He gets.
So wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, find a way to use your gifts. Look for any and every opportunity to do so. It will not only make you happier, but it will make others better. No matter how big or small, spiritual or not spiritual your gift is. God gives us the door to life lived fully and completely, and the exercising of gifts and talents is one of the many keys through that door.
-jon
I thought back to the times when I felt most fulfilled, when I felt the “happiest”. I asked myself questions like, what were the circumstances, who was I around, what was a doing, how much time was a spending with the Lord, how much was I working, how much was I not working, things like that. After hours of thought, I found the common denominator. The question had the same general answer all the way, no matter what the circumstance was; what gifts am I using?
God has gifted me with a passion to create and the ability to lead. And as I look back on times in my life where I felt true fulfillment and purpose, without a doubt, every time I was endeavoring into something creative and or leading a team of some sort.
The answer is simple, the use of our gifts and passions brings us joy by serving others.
And this extends to you no matter what your gifts are. Whether you are an encourager, a teacher, a wise man or woman. Or it could be more physical things. If you love to write, read, garden, or build things, no matter what it is, if it’s a true passion of yours, it will help bring you joy.
Now I am not equating gifts and talents with fulfillment. We can only find true fulfillment in Christ. But I know that I am much more joyous, kind, generous, and willing to do His Kingdom work in this world when I’m working on things that I’m passionate about. And guess what? God made you passionate about these things for a reason, maybe even perhaps because He wants to use them for His glory.
To live your life without using your passions and talents is like a cheetah who decides never to run fast. He’s denying his true self, it’s how he was created. And while I’m not sure if running swiftly through the plains of Africa bring the cheetah joy or not, you can be sure that he uses his gift every chance He gets.
So wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, find a way to use your gifts. Look for any and every opportunity to do so. It will not only make you happier, but it will make others better. No matter how big or small, spiritual or not spiritual your gift is. God gives us the door to life lived fully and completely, and the exercising of gifts and talents is one of the many keys through that door.
-jon
