Not Your Average Unboxing: Opening God's Gift Package

Coffee in hand, Bible open to Romans, and BAM! - two verses pretty much jumped off the page and smacked me right between the eyes this morning. You know those moments when Scripture suddenly hits different? Romans 12:6 and 1 Peter 4:10 tag-teamed my theology today, and honestly, I had to laugh at how my younger self would've read these same verses about spiritual gifts. Talk about a perspective shift!

I used to think spiritual gifts were all about the dramatic moments - you know, like speaking in tongues or performing miracles. I remember feeling almost inadequate because I wasn't experiencing these dramatic manifestations. But as I sat with Romans 12 this morning, something clicked. Paul doesn't even mention those dramatic gifts in this chapter. Instead, he's talking about something much more organic and natural.

It's like watching my crew of nieces and nephews grow up - each one so different, yet following the same wild journey from nursery to classroom. Israel came fully loaded from day one - tiny fingers, button nose, all systems go - but definitely wasn't ready for the complex math problems he now tackles in class (though I swear he was born with that analytical mind!). Hannah arrived with her signature sweet smile (still lights up her school photos), and now she's amazing us with her creative writing and artistic flair. Then there's Jeremiah, who went from those first wobbly steps to becoming our resident sports enthusiast, bringing home stories of playground adventures. And little Keziah, the youngest, is just starting to show her personality, already mastering the art of expressing exactly what she wants without saying a word. None of them came with an instruction manual or a fast-forward button from birth to school age - it's all been this beautiful, messy process of steady growth, from first words to first math problems, and countless "Did you see that?" moments shared when they come to visit.

I'm starting to see my own spiritual gifts in the same way. They're not sudden supernatural powers that appeared overnight. Rather, they're abilities that have gradually emerged as I've grown in my faith. The more time I spend in prayer, in the Word, and in fellowship with other believers, the more naturally certain abilities seem to flow. It's like watching a garden grow - you plant the seeds, tend them faithfully, and gradually see the fruits emerge.

What's really hitting home is how this connects to grace. These gifts aren't about my own effort or achievement - they're expressions of God's grace working in my life over time. Just like a child naturally develops abilities as they grow, I'm finding that certain spiritual capabilities are emerging as I continue growing in my relationship with God.

Looking back, I can see how my gift for encouragement (which I used to think was just "being nice") has developed over years of walking with the Lord. It's not something that suddenly appeared - it grew gradually as I learned to recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit's promptings. The same goes for my ability to teach in small groups. Five years ago, I would have been terrified, but now it feels like a natural expression of what God has been growing in me.

This understanding is so freeing. I don't need to strain for dramatic manifestations or compare my gifts to others'. Instead, I can focus on faithfully growing in my relationship with God, trusting that He'll continue to develop and express His gifts through me in His perfect timing.

Note to self: Look more into Romans 12 this week. There's probably more here about how these gifts are meant to function within the body of Christ. Also, spend some time reflecting on how other gifts might be developing that I haven't recognized yet.