March 5

For Today's Forward Day by Day readings, Click Here.

Time for a little recap:

1. God equips all of us with a tool bag full of everything we could possibly ever need to complete the work he has in mind for us.

2. This bag might feel awfully dang heavy if we were actually wearing it. Imagine a fanny pack full of every tool you'll ever need.

3. Our bags all have names. Mine is "Very Present Help in Trouble Tote." Yours is ________.

4. Within our bags, God places a Complete Set. It's the same for all his children. We're born with our bag and this totally awesome, free to all, no shipping and handling charge included, Complete Set.

5. What's in the complete set? Glad you asked. The contents of the set include:

Faithfullness (A Thor-like hammer)
Love (A big wet blanket)
Gentleness (Leather kid Gloves)
Goodness (A Golden Halo)
Patience (A Proton Beam? Fingercuffs...your call)
Peace (A plug)
Self-Control (Handcuffs/Blindfold)
Joy (Rice)
Kindness (a Lei)

BUT THAT's NOT IT....

6. This Complete Set also includes a special BONUS GIFT...

Gratitude (80s lip gloss)

7. In addition to the Complete Set and Bonus Gift, God also gives each of us a distinct collection of strengths, gifts, personality traits and talents. These are different for each person on the planet. Not one bag looks the same when it comes to the ancilliary -- yet exceedingly important -- personal stuff floating around the the murse/purse. This is what we'll begin exploring next.

So while some of our bags may look the same on the outside and ALL of us have Complete Sets with a Bonus Gift, the rest of our bag contents look very, very different.

And here's the kicker: It's super easy to look into someone elses' bag and see what kind of strengths and talents and positives they have jostling around. But the more difficult task is being aware of our own shtuff. For example, I can tell you that some of my son's strengths are self-sufficiency, diligence, respect and intelligence. My daughter's are zest, sincerity, affection and playfulness. I can tell you that my dad has the gift of knowing what to say at the right time and how to make you feel better about things. My husband has the gift of organization and prudence and humor. While I can look into my bag and see a few familiar things, being aware of personal strengths does not come easy -- and I dare say that's the truth for most people.

So how do we begin discoveirng our strengths? Our other tools? First we ask ourselves. Then we poll others who love us and know us deeply. Maybe it begins with a heartfelt list, and quiet time during which to consider it. Perhaps we do what psycholgists and scientists do: test and research.

Take a minute today to reflect on your strengths, talents and gifts. Write them down. Need a little "professional advice?" Check out this website for some Myers-Briggs-like testing and feedback. I just did. I'm an ISFJ: introverted, sensing, feeling, judging. Not sure if that's good or bad, but it is what it is. Here's a link to the site: Human Metrics.

Over the next week or so, let's talk about what we find out...What's your bag, baby? What's in your wallet?