We are all creators. Made in the image of Creator God, we pour out from our being the ideas he places in us. For some, it is home decorating. Others, creating art or writing. Still others, building websites or creating graphics.

I'm convinced that when we use the gifts God has blessed us with to bless others, we in turn will be blessed again. That is why I say develop your gifts, but share them with the world. Don't keep them to yourself.

Be a Giver

I share my art online. I share about my other niche interests on social media too.

I look for opportunities to give generously to various charities or individuals. But I know I can't give away all our family's personal resources, so I try to encourage others to also join in.

I share on social media, posts and information I think will either be helpful to the person who created the original post, or helpful to the person who will see it.

Sometimes OUR GIFT is as simple as using our network to share the giftings of others. (see verse)

Proverbs 27:2

Don't call attention to yourself;

let others do that for you.

Creativity is Therapeutic

The act of creating is helpful to us personally too. I don't have scientific studies to share, but I know creating at my art table is one way I unwind. It's therapeutic. I look forward to it at day's end.

And snapping photos on my Sabbath is a way I do something different that day that is enjoyable and calming.

(A Facebook post by

Curry's Artists' Materials)

Self-Coaching Prompt

What gifts do you have?

Do you need help in identifying them?

What is one thing you can't not do?

(To discover your passions, consider a look at my ebook

What's Next? In Midlife: Identify Your Top 5 Essential Passions.)

In order to bless others as mentioned above, consider these tips:

1. Develop the gifts God has given you.

2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2. Move forward in confidence that God will work through you.

Philippians 2:13 (NIV) for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Sometimes, like the boy in Mark who seemed to be the only one in the crowd with food (bread loaves and fish), we feel we don't have much to offer. But God will multiply the little we do offer.

We are each unique. Our niche interests are God's gift to us, and what we do with them is our gift back to God.