As a young child, I would sit on my grandma’s knee and ask to see her ring. How it sparkled with its many diamonds cleverly cut to catch the light! I own that ring now and still delight in its timeless appeal. The jeweller’s skills make these stones remarkable. It is the many facets which give it such beauty.
This is also true of life. As a child develops, their gifts and abilities begin to shine forth. We find they are capable in many different areas, and often it can be difficult knowing which to choose to hone. Outstandingly gifted children can be the focus of much attention and may be capable of shining on their own, but most have gifts they can enjoy contributing to the whole. Each gift is like a facet, reflecting some of the rays that make a beautiful gem.
As adults, we learn that others have gifts we lack and vice versa. When we choose to collaborate, this can be powerful. The emerging Games in the Park held last Sunday afternoons of the month at Helen Street reserve, Lane Cove North, is a good example of this. An initiative of Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy and the Rotary Club of Lane Cove, others quickly joined in. Local groups, a business and neighbours also offered their talents free of charge. This enables far more to be offered to our local community: table tennis, cricket, bowls, volleyball, Frisbee, massage, face painting, orienteering, and a free barbecue are the current activities on a growing list. It’s fun to be part of the team, discovering new facets and new friends.
My experience shows it’s far better to focus on the abilities of others (and my own) than upon the deficits. Encouraging people to find and utilise their gifts is enriching. What facets in your life are waiting to catch the light? Unleash them and we will all be the richer!
‘For it was you (Lord) who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made,’ The Bible, Psalm 139: 13-14 (NRSV)
PS You will find a photo of the ring on our Facebook site (6/4/18) and a short video with more story about the ring's significance (5/4/18).
This is also true of life. As a child develops, their gifts and abilities begin to shine forth. We find they are capable in many different areas, and often it can be difficult knowing which to choose to hone. Outstandingly gifted children can be the focus of much attention and may be capable of shining on their own, but most have gifts they can enjoy contributing to the whole. Each gift is like a facet, reflecting some of the rays that make a beautiful gem.
As adults, we learn that others have gifts we lack and vice versa. When we choose to collaborate, this can be powerful. The emerging Games in the Park held last Sunday afternoons of the month at Helen Street reserve, Lane Cove North, is a good example of this. An initiative of Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy and the Rotary Club of Lane Cove, others quickly joined in. Local groups, a business and neighbours also offered their talents free of charge. This enables far more to be offered to our local community: table tennis, cricket, bowls, volleyball, Frisbee, massage, face painting, orienteering, and a free barbecue are the current activities on a growing list. It’s fun to be part of the team, discovering new facets and new friends.
My experience shows it’s far better to focus on the abilities of others (and my own) than upon the deficits. Encouraging people to find and utilise their gifts is enriching. What facets in your life are waiting to catch the light? Unleash them and we will all be the richer!
‘For it was you (Lord) who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made,’ The Bible, Psalm 139: 13-14 (NRSV)
PS You will find a photo of the ring on our Facebook site (6/4/18) and a short video with more story about the ring's significance (5/4/18).
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