This is a guest post byJonathan Milligan, a former Executive Recruiter turned Problogger. He is in high demand as a blogging coach and heads up the very active Blogging Your Passion Group in the 48Days.net community. His most recent work is a new book entitled: The Gift – What You Have That the Richest Man Can’t Buy. You can preview the first 4 chapters of the book at JonathanMilligan.com/thegift. If you’d like to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.
In the eighteenth century, being an immigrant of the United States was no easy road. Being an immigrant that was also a deaf-mute child with physical disabilities was even harder. 
When Andrew Clemens was only 5 years old he contracted a “brain fever,” which we now know as encephalitis. Unfortunately, this severe fever left Andrew deaf in both ears.
One day, while growing up in Iowa, Andrew became fascinated by the various colors of sandstones in the cliffs. He began placing layers of this sand into bottles just for fun. As people saw this beautiful art work, they began to pay Andrew to create more. Eventually, this became his full time job.
Andrew Clemens had invited a new art form: sand art.
When I think of this story it reminds me of a core truth I believe to be true: You have a gift. Your gift is needed in the world.
Thomas Edison said, “If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” When is the last time you surprised yourself?
You Have a Gift
I’m often surprised at how many people don’t believe they have a unique gift. We often discount our own gift. We’re to close to see it or value it. We mistakenly believe since something comes easy to us, it must be easy for everyone. Not true.
What would your life be like if you decide to lean into your unique gift? Proverbs 16:18 states: “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.”
When you lean into your gift, you are never more in sync with the God who created you. Leo Buscaglia said it best when he said: “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”
Your Gift is Needed in the World
Once you discover your unique gift, it’s time to make it useful. Where can your gift add the most value? Who would pay you for your gift? How can you use your gift to make a difference in others?
I know what you are thinking. I’ve heard it myself. There is too much competition. There are already too many people trying to do the thing I want to do. What if that was a good thing? What if you saw that as social proof that people will pay you for it?
The truth is there will never be another “you.” You bring a unique view, personality and perspective to all you do. Embrace that. Decide today to lean into your gift and make it useful for others.
* If you don’t say it, it may never be said.
* If you don’t write it, it may never be written.
* If you don’t create it, it may never be created.
You have a gift. Your gift is needed in the world.
Thanks for the great reminder Jonathan (and Dan). I remember a young man in a wheelchair telling me that he had to use his gift of being paralyzed – that God had given it to him for a reason. It is easy to see a gift after the sand art is complete – but most of us are blinded to what is inside of us. I love the thought “If you don’t create it, it may never be created.”
Wow, what a great example Dale! We are often blinded to what is inside of us, you are right!
Thanks so much for the encouraging post, Jonathan. It’s amazing how much effort people put into trying to be like someone else, when if they only focused on being who they were created to be, that would be enough!
Thanks Rebecca. I think it’s often because we don’t think we have anything special to offer so we feel the need to copy others.
Thanks Dan for the opportunity to guest post on your blog. The 48 Days book was a catalyst for me years ago when I first launched out to create work I love.
I totally agree Jonathan! The world doesn’t need another copycat. We need more of you! Your strengths, combined with your unique experiences lend tremendous value to enrich other’s lives.
Well said!
This is all well and good, but how do you know what your gift is?