He IS the gift

Michael and I have been attending a small group on Sunday nights, called Fresh Air. It has been really good, although challenging at times... you know how hard it is to get to know a whole group of people. Well, for me, the second small group was the initiation group for me, because from the very beginning, I was uncontrollably sobbing. Like, ugly cry, red-faced, hyperventilating sobbing. In a small group. Our second meeting. It was awesome.

Well, tonight we were talking about the Holy Spirit, which can always be an interesting conversation depending on any variety of preconceived notions. And so, you know, the conversation turned to the gifts. It wasn't the usual, "I think that's weird" conversation that I'm used to, which was nice. But in those conversations, I love to just sit back, listen and watch. The conversation opened up some questions from people here and there, and we started talking about different gifts and so on. At one point, there was discussion about everyone having the gifts... or do they? Or do some people just flourish in some gifts, and does everyone have every gift?

Michael and I used to get all up in arms during these conversations, but I glanced over at him to see if he was about to start in on anything, and as he opened his mouth, he said one of the most profound things I've ever heard. I don't know if everyone thought it was as profound as I did... but I really think the Lord meant it for me tonight. He said, "Well, here's the thing: the Holy Spirit IS the gift, and the way I see it is, it doesn't matter if He tells you to operate in this gift or that gift. It's all just about following His promptings."

Never thought about it that way. I tend to get caught up in the "rules" of operating in the gifts. But I guess the point is to just do what He leads you to do, and realize that HE is the gift. Cool word for me tonight. I hope it ministers to you like it did to me. Thanks, hubs. :)