Chasing the Wrong Things

I can't tell you how many times I have seen something on Pinterest - whether it was a recipe, a drawing, a photo shoot, an cute outfit, a hand sewn item, or a craft project - and thought to myself, 'Oh, I can make that'.

And then reality sets in and I'm disappointed when my version didn't quite turn out like the Pinterest version. In other words, 'Pinterest Fail'.

Here's the thing: I know that I am creative. In fact, everyone is creative whether they believe it or not. It's how a person uses their creativity that's makes them who they are.

Let me explain. Everyone has a creative side and everyone has been given certain gifts. But throughout life, if we chase after the wrong gifts, someone else's gifts, then we will miss the opportunity to become good at our gifts. I hope that makes sense.

This can be hard at times, I know. Trying to figure out what you are good at and meant to do is difficult. I'll give you an example. I like handmade things, and some time ago I purchased a sewing machine at a yard sale, brand new, for only $30! I was so excited! I went home, found some sewing patterns and tutorials on Pinterest, and got to sewing. I became discouraged quickly. It was definitely not as easy as I thought it would be, but I didn't give up. After all, Thomas Edison didn't invent the light bulb in one try. After much practice, I finally learned how to sew a baby blanket, a small zip pouch, and a few other easy things. Then I tried something harder. Putting it into words, the result was something like this.

Fail. Failed. Failed again. Frustration. Disappointment. Realization.

And that realization was...I am not meant to be a seamstress! That was not one of my gifts. As much as I wanted it to be when I saw all of those cute tutorials on purses and dresses, it just wasn't meant for me. However, for a good friend of mine, that was one of her gifts, and I am so happy for her! I'll talk more about her amazing gift later.

I learned that we are all created differently and that means we all have different gifts. I have accepted that I can't do or make everything that I set out to do, because I am not supposed to. That is why God gave others those gifts.

It took me a little while to figure out exactly what my gifts were. Now that I have graciously accepted them and stopped chasing after someone else's gifts, I am therefore able to focus on perfecting my gifts, instead of wasting my time, disappointing myself with the things I am not so good at.

Here is my list of what I feel are my God-given gifts:

And here are a few things I know are not my God given gifts, that I maybe spent too much time chasing after before:

Let's all take some time to recognize each other's gifts and be happy for one another, instead of chasing after something that was never meant to be.

Here is a free download for you. It's a hand lettered drawing of one of my favorite quotes and a perfect reminder to be yourself and perfect your gifts.

Many Blessings,