Our Gifts are Calling

Recently I visited Israel. I had not originally planned to go with those traveling.  About six weeks before take-off, however, the decision was made for me to go to assist the three other individuals in their travels, specifically to help navigate the international aspects of the journey.

The trip turned out to be a divine appointment that deeply impacted my soul.

I had visited Israel before, each trip unique within its own right.  This one was special because it was the first time two members of our group visited Israel, we were spending time with someone near and dear to our hearts, we spent more time within local communities, the touring aspects of the trip were more personalized, and we visited familiar sites as well as a few places I had not previously visited.

A particular new site visited – Magdala – was one part of the trip that impacted me the most.

The historical aspect of Magdala is significant, including the first century synagogue found and the series of events leading to the archeological find. It was, however, what I saw in the Duc In Altum that challenged and motivated me.

The edifice was beautiful.  The thought, time, care, and funding that have been poured into the building were evident. The Mosaic and Encounter Chapels, however, are the inspiration behind what you are now reading.

Upon entering the different chapels, guests are greeted with huge mosaics in the four mosaic chapels, and a mural-sized painting in the encounter chapel; each one depicting a biblical story.  Each mosaic covered a wall and appeared to contain hundreds – if not thousands – of tiles approximately 1-2 inches in size.

The painting in the Encounter Chapel was so intricate, I was able to sense the frailty of the ailing woman reaching-out to encounter the Source of her faith; the veins in her hand coupled with the dirt under the nails were simply life-like.

The talent that it took to conceive and create the mosaics and painting with such detail stirred my soul.  In fact, I prefer to call the artists gifted, meaning they had a special God-given ability for that particular type of work.

The stories of faith, encouragement, assurance, and healing that were shared with us as a result of people visiting these chapels, and the site overall, were amazing; all because someone used their gift.  Their passion, sacrifice, and commitment radiated from their creations.  The artwork reportedly has already touched thousands of visitors, and will continue to do so, eventually impacting millions of people.

My guess is that these artists had perfected their craft over the years, using their gifting in many different arenas, thus they were ready when the opportunity for them to create artwork for the Duc in Altum became available; in fact, they may have been sought after specifically because their reputation preceded them.

Upon leaving the premises, my heart felt inspired yet troubled.  Why?  Because in that moment I was strongly reminded of a couple of my gifts that have been placed on the backburner of life because I became busy; one such being writing.

Those who know me well know that I love to write.  In fact, it is a dream to be a published author.  I used to write inspirationally many years ago – small articles that a handful of people read.  Over the years close confidants asked, “When are you going to start writing again, Veronique?” Others said, “Please start writing again, Veronique!”  Most recently, after reading articles I had written for a local newspaper, a few individuals stated, “Veronique, you should be a writer!”  Little did they know what they were saying!

Every day there is a life-lesson that comes my way.  Every. Single. Day.  Thus, I am reinstating a weekly blog – Reflections from the Heart – simply to exercise the art of writing through sharing a few of my life-lessons.  Most importantly, if I am able to encourage one person, then my gifting will not be in vain.

What about you?  We all have a gift or gifts in us that the world is waiting to see.  The world may be your family, friends, colleagues, community, or literally – the WORLD!  Your gift may be writing, singing, laughter, cooking, teaching, encouragement, people skills, parenting, playing an instrument, public speaking, working in the background, organization, leadership…the list is endless.

By the way, for those with the gift of cooking, please include me in your world!

Interestingly enough, Duc In Altum means to launch into the deep or put out into the deep, which biblically was an act of obedience and faith.  To think, I was not initially that interested in visiting the site, yet it was a priority for the person who was guiding us.  I did not realize how much was actually on that area of land and the significance of what was there; where we were staying was literally within walking distance.  Thankfully she followed-through, for it was at the Duc In Altum that the seriousness of what I have been given was made real to me, and I am ready to launch into the deep.

Again, all because individuals beautifully executed their gifts.

It is time for me the let the creativity within me to flow again – I am simply ready to write!  Writing tends to be a solitary activity and requires discipline and time just to sit down and create.  Notwithstanding, the sacrifice is worth the reward.

There are other gifts in me.  There are other gifts in you. Join me and let the world be encouraged by and benefit from our gifts, for our gifts are calling from within us, waiting and ready to be released.  The world is waiting.

Join me next Monday, June 4, 2018, as I share another life-lesson experienced while visiting Israel.