What Will You Do With Your Gifts?

When I asked my children to make a list for Christmas, I told them to think in terms of tools that will help them with their mission in life. I also encouraged them to choose things that could make their life easier in ways that help them accomplish their goals.

At our annual nativity supper on Christmas Eve, I brought up the question, "What will you do with your gifts?" I was referring to all kinds of gifts, the ones we receive on Christmas, the ones we are given in this life, and the gifts we don't recognize as such and their significance.

What will you do about Christmas Gifts?
Are the gifts under the tree going to help you be a better person? Or will they distract you from your goals? Do these gifts increase your capacity or diminish it?

What will you do with intangible gifts?
Are the gifts of knowledge, music or art going to be used for your own gain? Or to bless others? Are these gifts for self making? Or making the world a better place? I promised them that if they used their gifts to bless others, their talents and capacity would increase. If it was all for their own benefit, their capacity and talent would decrease.

What will you do with the gifts of pain and difficulty?

Are we able to turn weaknesses and the weaknesses of others to develop within us qualities such as patience, kindness and non judgmental attitudes? Do we see problems with gifts in their hands?

What will you do with your unique gifts as a family member? 

Each family member has gifts that bless us as a family. Each child had a turn as we verbalized their gifts out loud. Here are some of the gifts of my children that the world might not recognize, but bring light and healing to a home. One child has the gift of receiving correction. Her text a few days after Christmas said: "Mom you really love me. You correct me. Isn't that interesting that being willing to correct someone is an important part of love?" Another child has the gift of saying, "I'm sorry." Christmas Eve he said, "Mom, I'm so sorry I haven't been cooperative these last few weeks. Mom, I'm so sorry. I'll do better." Another child has the gift of knowing exactly what needs to happen. Another has the gift of quiet gentleness and compassion. Another has the gift of action. Another has the gift of leadership. Another has the gift of creating healthy relationships. Another has the gift of sensitivity. My husband has the gift of loyalty. How wonderful that they all have different gifts so that we learn to appreciate each other.

What will you do about THE Gift?  

The Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the giver of every good gift, the example of every worthy attribute, the source of power and life to our lives is the gift. His gift of the atonement made every other gift operable, meaningful and possible.  Every good thing in my life is because of the Savior, his birth, His example, His Atonement and His love. What we do shows our gratitude for His gift. What we live is our gift to Him and will determine our happiness, now and forever.