Gifts. Use Them.

You know when you sleep a certain way, and then wake up to your reflection in the bathroom mirror with hair matted in a specific direction? You can make various attempts to train your hair to lay just right again, exactly how you want it. You splash water on it, comb it, hide it under a ponytail. But whatever you try to do, the proof of your sleep is still there. The only way to get rid of the annoying sleep cowlick is to start over, start the day new and fresh by taking a shower. When someone insults your personal and unavoidable, undeniable gifts the Lord gave you, they leave a sleep cowlick in your hair, and in your life.

For the longest time, I have struggled to feel comfortable in my own skin. I have watched the people around me and thought, "He is really interesting," or "She is good at so many things." In doing so, I abandoned the truth of my own design. I am interesting. I am good at many things. Sure, they may seem different or boring to other people. But to me, the things I love and the things I am good at matter. They are important. And they make me happy. It is necessary to know yourself, a joy I have just recently found comfort in.

I write my feelings down on paper.
I read because I enjoy it.
I drink black coffee.
I make jewelry when I have someone to make it for.
I like mellow music. I have created my own genre titled "Coffee Shop."
I will play any sport that involves a ball and a hoop.
I like arts and crafts. My life is on the pages of my scrapbook.
I enjoy conversation with friends and strangers.
I wear make-up only for myself.

These are only a few aspects of my own identity that I have come to terms with. I know how different people are. But that is what is beautiful about God's creation. How we seem to fit together. How we should never be bored in life. How we can and should take opportunities to gain from others' hobbies, talents, gifts, and happiness. So what makes you happy? What are you good at? How can you tie your Talent Shoelaces?

The things in life that you are most passionate about, the talents you possess, and sensitive areas in your heart have been placed there for a specific reason. It was not by accident. You and those aspects of yourself exist for a purpose. Don't let someone tell you you're not good enough, because you are. And don't sell yourself short. Find what makes you happy, and do it. Whatever it is. Regardless of how you believe others might treat you or how they might view the person you are. You were designed a specific way for a unique purpose. "For some reason"s are not valid arguments in life, and there is no such thing as a coincidence. Your gifts do not exist by chance. Use them. Find what you love. Find yourself. Tie your shoelaces.