Just weeks ago, people across the country gathered to share
meals of thanksgiving. As dinner plates were emptied, people took time to
reflect on how their lives had been filled. They were thankful for family,
friends, a meal, second chances, forgiveness, health, roofs overhead and more.
I wonder though, besides general thanksgiving, how many
people went really deep and gave thanks for those unique talents and gifts that
make them each special as individuals? Were you thankful for what makes you
uniquely you? I must admit, I didn’t take much time to be thankful for me that
day.
On the following Sunday, people around the world entered
another sacred season, the season of Advent, preparing to celebrate the gift of
Jesus at Christmastime. Lights and decorations began popping up all over town
reminding those who might not be paying attention to take notice. Radio
stations started their 24-7 compilations of Christmas tunes to help people
catch the Spirit.
One of my favorite of those Christmas tunes since childhood
has been The Drummer Boy. Something
about the steadiness of the prumpth, prumpth, prumpth beat reminds me to keep
moving forward. I’m keenly aware of the way that rhythm beats like life itself,
certainly leading us towards something, someone sacred. As a child, I remember
feeling a sense of invitation to march and sing along. Yes, I, too, was worthy
of appearing before the Christ Child, and perhaps, I had something just as
special as the drummer boy to set before the King.
As an adult, I love reflecting on the fact that the little
drummer boy confidently played his drum. He recognized that this was his gift
to give and joyfully played before the newborn king. I imagine his heart was
full in that moment. I like (I LOVE) the fact that the drummer does his best
and brings what he has, the beat of his drum…what a glorious gift! It’s not
complicated. It’s his gift.
I’m thankful to Godvine.com for recently sharing a wonderful
acapella version of this song by Pentatonix to usher in Advent. Although I was unsure of the
arrangement at first, it grew on me, and it had me reflecting differently in
light of our recent Thanksgiving holiday. Suddenly, I found myself wondering,
what am I bringing to the Christ Child? How am I living my life as a gift and
in thanks for Him? Have I confidently embraced my gifts and talents and set
them before the King and others (as He asked me, too).
I challenge you to really give this some thought. What are
your unique gifts? Are you using them? Let me ask you a tougher one…are you
sure you are using your gifts and not trying to channel someone else’s (i.e. be someone you're not)? You’ll
be able to tell whether it’s a gift or not because it will feed you as you use
it. You have something special to bring, I promise. Just bring it!
And during this special season, do take some time to listen
to the prumpth, prumpth, prumpth calling you. Here's Pentatonix's version to inspire you...
With love and light,
LT
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