"Do not neglect the gift that is in you." 
                    ~ 1 Timothy 4:14

When I hear this passage, what comes to mind is: Do not neglect the talent that is in you. 

We certainly don't want to neglect our talents. 

But is seems to me that it is critically important for each of us to cultivate a mindfulness of using all our gifts and to neglect none of them, especially now, during a time of increasing harshness and stress, more judging and fault finding, and even demonizing groups of God's children.  

I find myself asking: What is behind this feeding of fear and hate? What is to be gained by it? Who?

I don't have answers to these questions. But I do know that it's too easy to succumb to gossip, to fearing this and that, and to thinking we are better than some people and not as worthy as others. 

The truth is: we're all better than this. In the depths of our souls, we know better. In the depths of our souls we are so beautiful. We know truth. We know love, respect, reverence, and kindness. 

Like a yet-to-be discovered deep living cave that is growing, glistening and glowing, our beauty shines and sparkles in ways we can't yet see. But it's there,

In preparation of all the coming holidays and holy days, let's bring into bright light all the highest qualities of goodness within us. 

Let's recognize, nurture, and use all the gifts of our birthright inheritance: Strength. Beauty. Courage. Compassion. Hope. Joy. Talent. Imagination. Reverence. Wisdom. Love. Faith.

Yes, let's!  Amen.

With love and joy,
Charlene

THE SIXTH GIFT IS JOY.
May it keep your heart open and filled with light.
from The Twelve Gifts of Birth