When we think of growing up, we mostly picture ourselves going from a baby to a toddler to a kid to a teen and a young adult. From then on, we’re pretty much the height and body type we were designed to be. But that’s only half of the story. From there, we actually have much more growing to do.
The experiences we have, the things we learn, and the choices we make continually add to our understanding. We keep growing – on the inside.
When we look back on our lives, we can see the “essence” of who we are is still basically the same as when we were young. It’s what makes you, you – and me, me! For example, when I was a kid, I was always drawing and painting or building something. I was curious and loved to learn. I got my Dad’s sense of humor and my Mom’s interest in health and science. They both taught me about God and serving others. All of those gifts are still a big part of who I am, but they’ve also grown over the years because I use them all the time.
How would you describe your “essence” that began when you were very young? Set aside the things that happened on the outside and think about the inside of who you are. What traits were you born with that fit you, motivate you, and fulfill you? What do you naturally love to do? What words would you use to describe what makes you…you?
Where are those gifts now? Have you been using them and can see how they’ve grown? Or has life gotten so busy and demanding that they’ve faded into the past? The good news is, they’re still there!
If you’re a Christian, the Bible tells us that in addition to natural talents and gifts we’re given, the Holy Spirit will give us spiritual gifts for serving God, His church, and each other.
1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 and verse 11 (NLT) say:
(4-6) “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
(11) It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.”
So if you’re feeling like every day is the same and your life is meandering with less and less motivation, you’re likely unplugged from the true you and your unique purpose. Here are a few ideas and some inspiration to help you reconnect and get growing again – from the inside:
• If helping others is part of who you are, find a place to help and volunteer.
• If you have a skill that can be useful to someone in need who could never afford what you do – give it away and do it for free.
• Is there something you’ve wanted to do but make excuses not to try? Do it now or someday it will be too late. Take a class or join a group of other people who want to learn the same thing and remember how good it is to meet new friends.
• Teach others how to do something you know how to do – especially those younger than you. It could be cooking, working on cars, using a computer, or playing an instrument. Whatever you have to share, someone wants to learn it but they just don’t have a teacher…yet!
If you do any of these, you’ll get growing again in the things that matter – love and empathy and purpose – and find that sharing is better than taking. Being with people is better than being isolated and lonely in a world that is increasingly so. Truly growing from the inside involves your heart. There’s no limit to how far you can grow if you choose to.
RESET HIGHER: Reconnecting to the true “essence” of who you are and using your natural talents and gifts for good is one of the most rewarding things you can do. In addition, if you are a believer and utilize the spiritual gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit, you’ll also be fulfilling your unique destiny by doing what God has equipped you to do.
Make a list of what comes naturally to you and what you feel deeply about when it comes to helping others. Then pray over your list and ask God to open the doors He’s prepared for you. When He does, say yes and take the first step, then keep following Him. There are beautiful blessings from God waiting for you.
