Remembering Your Gifts

I must admit, last night I had one of those proud father experiences.  While to some it may not be a big deal, to me, it will be one to remember.

Before I share, let me give you a bit of background.  My Son, Chris Jr, has had a tough time in recent years.  He is 16 years old and a sophomore at Zionsville High School.  He’s a pretty athletic kid; however, has had three shoulder separations since the fall of his 7^th grade year.  After the third separation during the football season of his freshman year, his doctor suspected that he had a condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) Type III which is a genetic defect associated with hypermobility in his joints.  This was later confirmed and we believe my wife and daughter have the same condition.

So, not only has Chris miss most of his middle school and freshman year athletics, his doctors recommended that he not play contact sports any longer for which football was his first love.  Having missed nearly three years of basketball and playing in a brace, he simply didn’t have the skills to make the junior varsity basketball team this year.  So, with football and basketball being his two primary sports, his athletic career has come to a bit of a halt.

Being a Kingdom minded family, we know that God allows struggles in life for a reason.  That reason is not always obvious and may have nothing to do with something we have done.  However, it can be used to redirect our steps and is always used for His glory.  Romans 8:18 (ESV) states, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

A gift that Chris Jr. has is the gift of singing.  While he hasn’t necessarily been intentionally hiding this gift, he more recently has been more focused on using this gift as a result of athletics not being a primary focus.  He is part of Zionsville Show Choirs (ZSC) and has started singing at our church, Traders Point Christian Church (TPCC).  So, this brings me to my proud moment.

Last night, ZSC had their annual Christmas concert.  This really was one of the first times I have seen Chris sing this year.  While he has sung at TPCC a couple times, it has been a new experience and he hasn’t appeared comfortable.  Last night, however, I saw my son’s true passion and gift come out.  Honestly, I had tears in my eyes as I watched and listened.  The kid can sing folks!!!

You likely noticed I titled this message, Remember Your Gifts.  I believe that God has uniquely gifted all of us for a purpose.  You always hear people telling you to figure out what you’re passionate about and go after it.  In the case of Chris, while difficult to say, I believe God has allowed difficulties in his path to redirect his steps away from athletics toward his gift of singing.  I anticipate this to only be the beginning of something special for Chris and his voice as long as he continues to follow his passion.

So, son, remember your gifts and I look forward to seeing and hearing them in the weeks, months, and years ahead.  For others, uncover those gifts, if you haven’t lately, and let your light shine.  When you do, you’ll place a smile on your heavenly father’s face.

God bless!

One response to “Remembering Your Gifts”

1. What a Mother’s Day Gift! | Chris D. Arnold says:

   05/18/2013 at 2:54 pm

   […] post, let me give you a bit of background.  Reflecting back on our post in December 2012, Remembering Your Gifts, you’ll recall that Christopher is a very athletic kid, however, due to a condition call […]

   Reply