We All Have Gifts…

I have seen a major pattern developing in my life this year as I have served as president of CAC IAAP. In particular, whenever anyone talks to me about finding “myself”, “my hidden potential”, “my life’s masterpiece”, “my yellow brick road”, or “my brilliance”, I get excited at the prospect and start looking for “it”.

Do you question if you're fulfilling your life's purpose? Is this all there is? Does God have a special purpose for your life? Many sources offer a blueprint for discovering your unique gift(s) so you can realize your full potential. For me, my year started in July in New Orleans.

Simon T. Bailey was our keynote speaker at the IAAP international convention last summer. He was more fun than you would ever expect to find at a conference and interesting, as well. He talked in depth about finding your “diamond in the rough”. He explained that our bodies contain carbon, and if we take that carbon and work/harden it to its fullest potential, it can become a brilliant diamond. No, it’s not that easy to produce diamonds, but Release Your Brilliance by Simon Bailey will explain the process of finding your inner diamond. A diamond is valued for its clarity, color, cut, and carat; and it takes many steps to enhance these values.

Simon had already gotten me excited, motivated, curious, etc., then, in February, I met Mark “Gunny” Thomas. Mark spoke to our group about money and credit (dirty word), but he also challenged us to “find our yellow brick road”. In Finding Your Yellow Brick Road by Mark Thomas and K.J. Cash, we are reminded that God gave each of us gifts at birth. He placed us in families that would put us in circumstances to use and hone our gifts. Often our childhood longings and dreams can serve as clues to our purpose and calling. What gifts were you given, most importantly, what gifts will you give Him? We don't have to be perfect to be appreciated by God.

As Michelangelo proved to us, to find your life's masterpiece, you must look inside. You'll have to clear away all the outer stones and things others have imposed on you, such as negativism, to find the beauty within! A gift isn't just found in people who are exceptionally talented, successful, or blessed.

Simon says, “It takes a diamond to cut another diamond”. An uncut diamond might appear to be a useless piece of stone on the surface. However, with the proper cut, its beauty can be released. You might be the "diamond" that another admin or peer needs to find their hidden potential and they might have the same effect on you. You might "release your brilliance" on someone else by helping someone with a work/personal situation or it could be as simple as inviting them to a CAC function so they can become involved and network with other diamonds. If you want your diamond to be cut and shaped and have it shine brilliantly, then surround yourself with diamonds. As Simon would have us say as we rubbed shoulders with others in the conference center, "O Brilliant One, release your brilliance on me!"

In writing this message, I consider my own gifts. I believe my gifts have come in a shrink-wrapped basket. I have caught a glimpse of things within, but they must be removed and handled to truly be appreciated. There are items in my basket which are gazed at adoringly, but have never been touched; some items are merely filler; there are others that have been handled, sniffed, and replaced for later consumption; some will expire, if not used immediately; yet there are others, which have been cherished and enjoyed to the fullest!

Your gift lies in the place where your values, passions, and strengths rest. To unwrap it, you must discover your values and strengths.

…some of us just take longer to open them!