Awe-struck probably best describes my reaction.
A few years ago, I was watching Fixer-Upper. This was the episode when they developed their new restaurant, the Magnolia Table. What can Joanna Gaines NOT do?
She was designing the floor mural, creating the flow of the space, picking out the perfect palette of colors, deciding on the table shapes, and creating special decorating touches that made it look … like Joanna Gaines did it.
And then.
Then she started developing the menu. Aaaand creating the recipes. And deciding how to use kale and strawberry honey and healthy smoothies.
Building this beautiful space, fixing everything up, creating all the food items, and she was still young enough to have another baby!
Good grief.
Just thinking about the kale part makes me feel a stress rash coming on.
But …
Here’s the neat part of my experience watching that hour of incredible talent and skills and positive spirit and hope-filled dreams turning into reality…
There was a time in my life when I would have watched and appreciated her talent, while measuring my own skills against hers. And let me just say … home and hearth is not where my natural ability shows up. The show would have left me discouraged that I can’t do what she can do, and disappointed that my life doesn’t look as big and fulfilling as hers does. And then I would have probably eaten some ice cream.
But not this time.
This time I realized that she is showing up and doing what she loves, using the talent God has given her.
And I can do the same thing … just in a different way.
My Joanna Gaines moments are about making the notes on a piano keyboard sing, encouraging the hearts of women through words and laughter, organizing the daylights out of any nook and cranny that needs some attention, loving and caring for my family, connecting the dots when things are messy and solutions aren’t clear, and poking fun at my own mishaps. My gifts and passions are no less important than Joanna’s — they’re just different.
(May I just note here … even being brave enough to write down some of the things I’m good at, knowing you are going to read it, is a big step. You get that right? It’s hard to toot our own horn when we’re Scandinavian, Midwestern, middle-aged women! I think I actually heard someone say “Amen!” just now. Thank you.)
You’ve maybe heard the speakers or read the memes that remind us of this truth: “Someone in need is waiting on the other side of your obedience.” Isn’t that a helpful wake-up call? Yes!
Girlfriend, you are gifted in ways that WILL encourage someone else. Step up and share, give, serve, deliver … in the ways that only YOU can. Someone is waiting for what you’ve got to offer!
This week I’m watching for my own “Joanna Gaines moments.” Moments when I know I’m showing up and making a difference – in my own, unique way. (I guarantee you kale is not involved.)
What about you? What do your Joanna Gaines moments look like this week?
Show up, step out, and do your thing.
It will matter to someone.
P.S. If after reading this you’re whispering to yourself, “Yeah, but I still don’t know what skill or talent or gift I have to offer.” Girlfriend, please hear me on this. You DO have something that someone needs. Ask God to make it clear to you. Take some time to be still. Find a comfy chair or a bench outside. Go for a walk. Ask God to quiet your heart. Ask Him to tell you or show you what you’ve got that someone needs. What comes naturally to you? And remember, little things make a difference: a kind word, a smile, a note, a hug, a meal. Little things matter.
“Dear Lord, thank you for creating me with gifts and talents and a personality that are unique to me. I want to help others, but I’m not sure what I have to offer. Would you please make it real clear to me how I can make a difference? What can I offer or bring to someone today? Thank you for answering my prayer. Amen.”
I am praying for you, sweet friend. You matter.
