Every year since our kids have been in the teen group, our family attends a southeast region competition held at Trevecca Nazarene University. This competition consists of both arts and sports and there are almost 2,000 kids competing. It is a busy time and a tiring weekend to be sure. What is amazing to me is to see the competition of these kids and to also see their spirits.

What do I mean by this? I saw my son playing his ping-pong game for the championship. It was the final game. As he would make a play, his opponent would complement my son on his good plays. At the end of the game, when my son got second, they both came together and said what a great game it was and how fun it was. Teens were cheering for both sides and they were all still friendly at the end of the game. Good spirits.

There was the baritone solo my son had to perform after playing 30 minutes of frisbee. He was sweating, tired and winded. I just knew there was no way he was going to be able to regroup and play as well as possible. Then, he started playing and it was just beautiful. His heart suddenly switched from frisbee to baritone. Good spirit.

Then, there was the ultimate frisbee championship game that came down to sudden death in double overtime! It was a nail biter with all of us on the sidelines on our feet. I loved watching them get frustrated with each other on certain plays and on the very next play they were working together. Even when the game was through (and we did win, by the way), both teams were complementing each other on a good game. Good spirits.

Next came the preaching and sign language in which my daughter participated in both. As she was signing, I think most were in tears knowing this was her last year. More importantly, though, we saw her spirit as she would sign to the song. We only heard the song, but her movements and facial expressions spoke to us all. The preaching showed us her heart as she read through the Scripture and told us how she applied that to her life and how others can apply it to their lives, as well. Good spirit.

In each case for my kids this weekend, I was able to see their spirit shine through the activities of which they were participating. What might this happen to do with their gifts? I would have never seen their spirits shine in this way had they not been actively participating and using their gifts. The blessings I received was because of their determination to use their gifts.

God did not give you your individual gifts just for you. He gave you gifts and talents to use in order to bless others. Do not take that for granted. God has endowed you with gifts that He expects you to use. Don’t lose this valuable gift! Who needs to be blessed by your talents today? What step are you going to take to use your gifts?

© 2019 Susan M. Sims

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