Do you possess a God-given talent that is so unique that some might call it a Strange Gift? There’s just this skill that comes so naturally to you that it is like breathing, but others are baffled, because for them, this quality proves so challenging. One Strange Gift bestowed upon me relates to organization, and there is not one section of my brain that doesn’t love to sort, categorize, sift, and plan, whether that manifests itself through an itinerary for an Alaska trip or organizing a sock drawer, it’s in my DNA! So, imagine the thrill that erupted in my little heart when during a West Jackson Inasmuch Day, my assignment included arranging the children’s craft closet. And they handed me a label maker! Be still my heart!

So, maybe organizing isn’t your gift, but God has provided all of us with a Strange Gift that can be used to fulfill, not only our personal destiny, but God’s plan for humanity. Personally, I often struggle with recognizing God’s gifts, and perhaps you do too, because they don’t always come wrapped in the package we expect. In Acres of Diamonds, Jentezen Franklin shares, “Wouldn’t you hate to miss out on an incredible gift because it came wrapped in an unexpected package? We expect diamonds to show up in a black velvet box, but they never come from God that way.”

As the adage goes, “Hindsight is 20/20!” It’s often easier to look back over the events in our lives and see how God was working, especially through Strange Gifts that were not wrapped in the packing we expected. I’m still navigating this Strange Gift of Singleness, and there are times when I want to echo Franklin’s words, “’This is not what I wanted. Take it back. I don’t want it.’ [But] when we reject God’s gift, we reject His plan and purpose for our lives. We abandon the very acres of diamonds that He has called us to…I want to encourage you to receive God’s strangely wrapped gifts. Accept them. Even if they hurt. Even if they feel lousy. Even if you don’t understand them.”

When we choose to develop a Habit of Awareness, especially of ourselves, we are embracing God’s gift of how he designed us. In Ready to Rise, Jo Saxton shares this belief, “There’s nothing wrong with embracing the way God has wired you, gifted you, and created you. It is wonderful, because you are wonderfully made. Read Psalm 139 for confirmation. There is nothing wrong with saying yes to who you are in God! There is nothing wrong with saying yes to the gifts and skills and talents God delighted to give you!” Continuing she adds, “Your gifts and abilities are not accidents; they are gifts from your Creator, who already saw you as valuable and worthy.” And even if we consider these a Strange Gift, God asks that we accept them. Would you reject a birthday gift from a trusted friend? So, why do we so often fail to accept gifts from the One who knows us best?

For me, part of the delight in working with Emerging Adults is seeing them discover who God created them to be and uncovering their unique Strange Gifts, whether that happens after choosing a major, considering a career, or identifying a latent talent when offered a new opportunity. Often, they need guidance to unwrap this Strange Gift and navigate how best to use it, and my hope is that someone will be there to coach them through the process, perhaps even unwrapping more gifts than they could ever imagine. Big Nate, Beth Mohon, and Johnny Cole were there for me, never knowing that they were guiding my career at the time (More on this story in a future post).

Saxton poses the question that I want to ask of you, “What gifts [skills, talents, and so on] have you hidden or left unwrapped for a long time and why?” Is there a Strange Gift you hesitate to allow to flourish because it came packaged differently than expected? Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.

References:

Franklin, J. (2020). Acres of diamonds: Discovering God’s best right where you are. Chosen Books.

Saxton, J. (2020). Ready to rise: Own your voice, gather your community, step into your influence. Waterbrook.