Part 3 in the Aging Gracefully series.
1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
Do You Know Your Gifts?
Have you identified your unique gifts and talents—your superpowers? I define “superpowers” as the abilities that come naturally to you and bless others. Often, we overlook these gifts because they feel ordinary, making us assume everyone possesses the same abilities. Aging gracefully is enhanced by personal growth and development. Growth often flows from increased awareness.
The Divine Design Process
I guide clients through a transformative process called Divine Design, utilizing assessments to help them discover, articulate, and leverage their unique gifts for maximum impact in God’s kingdom. Understanding my divine design has profoundly boosted my confidence and clarified my purpose.
My personal divine design statement is: I am handcrafted by God to connect deeply, encouraging and challenging myself and others to grow, flourish, and embrace transformation.
This self-awareness has empowered me to pursue new opportunities, including coach training. I used to think something was wrong with me for seeking deep conversations at social gatherings; now, I recognize it as a beautiful part of my design. Rather than focusing on what I wasn’t doing—like mingling—I embrace my unique divine design.
Explore Your Unique Gifts
I encourage you to explore a spiritual gift survey, personality test, or strengths assessment to uncover how God has uniquely crafted you. Allow His design to guide you in administering grace to others. There’s nothing more invigorating than being used by the Master for His eternal purposes! If you’re interested, I’d love to walk through this process with you.
The Importance of Self-Awareness
Another critical area for growth is self-awareness. Are you aware of your blind spots? In driving a car we have to learn where our "blindspots" are so that we can take extra care before we pull out in traffic. Likewise, our personality can have some blindspots.
Reflect on your relationships: where do you struggle? What pitfalls frequently trip you up? Self-awareness involves understanding your personality, emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and sinful tendencies. It’s essential for growing in grace to examine what fuels ungodly responses in your life. This transformative work involves replacing harmful patterns with godly ones.
Psalm 19:11-14 states: “But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults, keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Understanding Self-Awareness Challenges
No one wants to be ruled by sin. Why do we often lack self-awareness? Sometimes, fear of judgment or rejection prevents us from being vulnerable.
Remember, strengths can also reveal blind spots. Do you have a trusted friend, spouse, or group member who can provide honest feedback about areas needing refinement? Are you open to examining your weaknesses?
Signs of Low Self-Awareness:
Inability to adapt behavior
Surprise at others’ reactions
Defensiveness towards feedback
Overestimating personal contributions
Underestimating the damage caused
In my coaching, I employ various personality assessments—some with a gospel focus—to uncover struggles that may be your blind spots.
Embracing the Journey of Growth
As you identify these areas, turn to Jesus and the transformative power of the gospel. This journey fosters empathy for yourself and others, enriching your relationships by providing insight into another’s heart—their fears, longings, and motivations.
As Christians, we are called to take up our cross daily and follow Christ. This means surrendering our desires and living for His kingdom. Increased awareness of our blind spots reveals new areas of our hearts that need God’s leadership.
As I age, I feel a strong desire to leave behind old habits and ways of thinking. Each day is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
If you’re grappling with habitual sins or feelings of being stuck, consider seeking help from a counselor or coach. Exploring the reasons behind your thoughts, feelings, and actions can be transformative. Breaking free from unhelpful behavior patterns is essential for living more gracefully.
Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us: “...one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
As you reflect on your unique gifts and areas for growth, what is one step you can take this week to embrace your divine design?
If you’re ready to explore your gifts further and unlock your potential, I invite you to sign up for my coaching services. Together, we can embark on a journey of discovery and transformation, helping you live out your purpose to the fullest. Contact me today to get started!
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