In 2 Timothy 1:6, the apostle Paul tells the young Timothy some sage wisdom. He told him to fan the flames of that special gift God had given him and that when he does that, do all that he can to keep it ablaze! What a powerful word. But here’s the truth. Why would Timothy, a Godly young man from a Godly family as mentioned earlier in the verse, need to fan the flame of a gift? Why do we fan a fire? Simple. Sometimes fire is blazing hot but at times, the embers grow dim and fanning them makes them catch on fire again until it is once again hot. Paul in his wisdom knew that there were going to be times that Timothy felt inadequate, unworthy and ill equipped and that he would need that word to remind him to go back to the beginning. We have all experienced God in a special and intimate way and are sure we will never forget how it felt. The touch of His power, the quiet whisper of His voice or a powerful word from a trusted source that sets your heart ablaze. But the inevitable happens. Life takes over, the grind of the day to day and suddenly that moment seems like a distant memory. I believe what was describing was a refueling of Timothy’s faith.

 Several years ago, a trusted person awakened a calling that he saw in my life. It was something that I’ll never forget. I have dreamed of doing missionary work in areas where people don’t know who God is or understand how much He loves them. I’ve waited patiently for things in my life to line up with this calling. I remember thinking that surely this person was talking about someone else and not me. How could I answer such a call? How could I accomplish what was being spoken? Recently I started thinking about that calling and can feel my fire being fanned; my embers being refueled and reignited. I’m terrified and thrilled all at the same time. The truth is, I have those opportunities right where I am.

 What about you, dear reader? What are your big dreams concerning your calling? It certainly doesn’t have to be missionary work or church work at all. Do you dream of bringing hope to those who have health issues? Does your heart beat a little faster when you think about children who need love and a safe place to stay like a foster home? Does cooking and feeding hungry people bring you great satisfaction? Find ways to put those gifts into action. It may mean volunteering at a hospital or a food pantry. Finding opportunities to serve at a Boys and Girls Club may be a great way to serve someone in need. It could be something as important as deciding to open your home by becoming a foster parent.

 You may doubt that you are capable of doing anything so big, so out of your comfort zone. But I promise you that if you will at least take that first step, you will see what gifts are lying dormant inside of you. You may find the great passion of your life. The thing that sets your heart ablaze and makes you eager to wake up each morning.

 How do we keep from getting into that day-to-day rut of worrying about new tires and grocery lists, laundry and emails? By taking that first step. Making the call, filling out the volunteer application, showing up where there is a need. In the words of Nike, just do it! You may not have all the answers or know exactly how to do it all right away but that is part of the process. Learning and growing, giving and receiving. Make time for these things because in the end, it really won’t matter whether you had your garage organized alphabetically or whether your laundry was all done. What will matter is what you did for others; what you did to make this world a little better; what gifts you allowed God to fan and refuel over and over again. May I encourage you today to let Him set your heart on fire for those who are hurting, in need and desperate to know that someone sees them. And it isn’t about doing something big. It’s about doing something only you can do. It’s about accomplishing what has been put inside of you to do. You can’t do what you see others doing. You can only give from your set of strengths and talents. And nothing is more important than that. Be you. The best you possible.

 And the world will be a better place for it!