Let Your Ordinary Gift Shine + New Art | Captivating no. 2

I recently had a chance to talk with one of the moms from my son's school.

I've always felt somewhat inadequate as a mom, and she immediately picked up my insecurity about how I parent. She gently assured me I was doing a great job with my boys and encouraged me to give myself credit because I work so hard for it. She was friendly, warm, and glowing with confidence. I was drawn to her charisma right away and absorbed her wisdom like a plant thirsting for water. 

But then, something unexpected happened. As soon as our conversation turned to what we do for a living, her confidence shrank to the size of a golf ball. "Oh," she said in a trembling voice, "I'm just a stay-at-home mom." 

I'm just a stay-at-home mom. 

This mother with an incredible ability to encourage fellow parents didn't seem to acknowledge what an extraordinary gift she has.

I wonder sometimes our gift may not feel like a gift at all, because it's buried within our ordinary days. Perhaps you don't see it as a gift because it doesn't seem important. Or even though you know you have something special, you're not sure if you're good enough.

But it's not up to you to decide if you're good enough or not. Because someone who needs your gift can spot it from a mile away, like finding a tiny piece of diamond catching the sun in the midst of desert.

You can't hide it from us - your story, your gift.

Your helping hands, your smiles, your art, your songs, your writing, your warm hugs, your ability to guide and teach...

If there's one person out there who needs to hear your story, it is good enough.

There are mornings I would wake up and wonder if I should stop sharing what I create on this blog. Because some days, I just feel inadequate and what I can offer seems insignificant. 

But it's not up to me to decide if my gift is good enough to share. 

What you may consider humble could be an extraordinary gift to someone who needs it. 

Just like this mother's words changed the way I view motherhood, we all have an extraordinary gift to share only if we let it shine. 

I'm forever grateful she generously shared her gift of encouragement with me.

 
Captivating no. 2: Ink pen, watercolor, charcoal, soft pastel

Would you share your gift with us, your extraordinary gift hidden in the ordinary? 

Would you let it shine?