Gifts & Graces
When a person is able to reflect the splendor of God's creation through art, music or literature, or perhaps through unusual skills or creativity in the sciences or other fields, one may easily recognize an admirable God-given talent or ability. And when that endowment inspires or makes life better for others, it becomes a gift shared, nourishing both giver and receiver, reflecting God's bounty.
But sometimes a person rises from a presumably daunting imperfection, impairment, or hurdle with grueling effort, determination, and constant faith - emerging victoriously to claim an astounding place in God's creation. This person shines not necessarily with the usual recognizable talent, but with God's undeniable grace, available to all who believe in Him and in whom He has meant them to be.