The Gift Before the Gift

Things I’ve learned from blogging 500 days in a row . . .

Writing everyday is a gift I want to keep giving the world. I wrestle for words to name things that I can see up close, that I’ve explored and examined. And I’m compelled to share that. Not for my own sake, but instead because that thing that I see makes my life, your life, and the world better.

But behind my gift is another gift that was first given to me: the gift to see.

Not vision. Vision is a natural ability that I have by virtue of properly functioning eyes.

I mean seeing beyond, beneath, and behind.

In other words, I was taught how to perceive.
I was taught to notice.
To inquire and examine.
To critically engage.
To ask questions.

These are gifts that have been given to me by teachers, mentors, and counselors. All of my writing and sharing and giving rests on a gift that came before. It’s no wonder I’m compelled to share. Someone first shared with me.

If you see what others don’t—at your work, in your class, in your community, or anywhere—be thankful for the gift of perception. Now, your job is to turn and give it away.