Interesting how our gifts do not come to us the way we expect. For myself it has truly evolved into trying many areas of serving. Some things I dreaded doing to be honest, but felt pressured to do it. I remember in my early years the very first thing I volunteered for was being in charge of ordering all the "paper supplies". I was a teen. This was merely purchasing things like toiletries & kitchen stuff etc. It wasn't difficult, required very little time and it was a small way I could help. I enjoyed being a camp counsellor (did 2 summers), but really interfered with work schedules. Working in the nursery isn't for everyone, but I was good at it (though totally guilty of watching the clock). We served many years giving up our Friday nights with middle school aged kids (admit was not for me). Most of all I loved teaching weekly Sunday school. I began learning right along with the (elementary ages). I distinctly remember begging my husband to join choir with me...We needed more men LOL and he hated every second of it.
Once our children came along in our 30's I switched to volunteering wherever our kids have been involved. We attempted to host Bible studies (Life Groups), and discovered it wasn't for us (bc of our special needs children). What most ppl know me for is hosting, and have been told that is my strength or spiritual gift. With my husbands support we ran a 1x wk community playgroup our of the church gym (for 7 yrs). It by far was the largest responsibility for us for both time and finances, due to the enormous size it became. Our 2 children inspired us to go this route.
Now here is where our biggest obstacle has come about. It has been frustrating learning we cannot do things we had done in the past. We ended the playgroup 2 yrs ago due to our family life being incredibly stressful and difficult. Both of our children have special needs. We have found as the children have gotten older (10 & 12), things have gotten more complicated and hectic. We have entered a new season in life that we just cannot do the things we have done in the past. Many crisis' have happened and health scares that have had us have to reassess our church life involvement. I started up a special needs ministry at our church. I have never been able to leave either of our children in the Sunday mornings kids programs (luxury for parents). Finding volunteers has been a no go. I had a few offers and everyone was so limited that no one wanted to be on any sort of schedule. So I spent the past couple years in empty rooms with our son (before Covid). He is 10 now, work in progress toileting, epilepsy, non verbal, and has brain damage from pneumonia as newborn. I get we make ppl uncomfortable. I'm actually leaving my city in an hour headed for larger hospital that has all the specialist in our province (his pediatric neurologist).
It's been especially isolating this past year. Our son will not wear a face mask and has to wear a helmet (with shield) instead. My husband has been running from home the online sermons streaming/monitoring the Youtube, and FB. I have been praying that things will get back to normal so we can return as a family to church at least. I gave up the special needs ministry bc it was just us anyways. He much prefers the gymnasium (he is loud with verbal stims). I do not know where God will take us in this next chapter of our lives.
Anyhow I went way off topic about our gifts. I do enjoy writing on my blog the past 12 yrs. Could my gift just being studying and writing about Biblical subjects? Only if it helps bring others to becoming believers and followers of Jesus Christ. I joined this group recently bc I really miss church community. If you are curious about my blog, feel free to have a peak. In my early years of writing I mainly focused on heaven. I feel that I have exhausted that subject and continue to explore the Bible.
https://destinedforheaven.wordpress.com/
If you've read this far, thank you,
Sarah Doohan