The Gift of "Something"

Last week I wrote about the gift I received when my family and I were “snowed in” recently. The nasty winter weather in West Michigan caused cancellations of school and work commitments, and made it difficult to go anywhere. Instead, we enjoyed the gift of nothing to do, nowhere to go, and no one who needed us. However, I indicated that “nothing” is intended to be only temporary, not a lasting gift. Misusing that gift can lead to laziness, a lack of motivation and progress, broken relationships, and discontent. Instead, we all need to appreciate and pursue the gift of “something.”

We all need “something,” or many “somethings” in our life. A sense of purpose can come from having activities to do, and people who count on us to do them. This can breed confidence and contentment, along with a sense of accomplishment. Engaging in “something” can spark a healthy, well-balanced life that encompasses the beauty of “The Tree Analogy,” as we actively pursue opportunities for “nourishing, growing, connecting, and contributing.”

Your gift of “something” today may be a job to do, a person to encourage, a lesson to learn, a bill to pay, a nap to take, an apology to make, a doctor’s appointment to attend, a book to read, a meal to eat, a game to play, a conversation to have, an item to purchase, etc. All of these “somethings” indicate the presence in your life of nourishing, growing, connecting, and contributing. All of these are gifts! Dirty dishes mean that you have food to eat. Bills to pay mean that you have good things to use. An apology to make means you have someone in your life worth repairing a damaged relationship.

Is your life characterized more by “nothing” or “something” at this point in time? I encourage you to download my “Tree Analogy” to think about the specific ways you can continue to grow personally and interpersonally. And as always, feel free to share your insights with us below, on Facebook, or through email. We love to hear from you!