All of us possess unique gifts, designed perfectly for us by God. These gifts are perfectly suited to us and meant to be shared:

“Each one of us should use whatever gift we have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4: 10-11

Drawing closer to God is the only way to fully recognize our gifts and to use them wisely. One of the most powerful steps we can take to draw closer to God is to practice humility.

Sometimes we associate humility with quiet lives or meek behaviors, or even with low or self-deprecating views of ourselves. But as the great saints show us over and again, humility means thinking about others and God more, and having the courage to use our gifts in ways that create meaningful goodness for others.

Think about some of our amazing modern saints — Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Teresa of Calcutta (also known as Mother Teresa), Saint Maximilian Kolbe and Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity. These were men and women who knew and loved God deeply; and through their relationship with Him, they became keenly aware of their gifts. Their profound humility freed them to surrender their own plans so they could use the gifts God had given to them, to the greatest extent possible.

We know that there is tremendous goodness and fullness in the plans that God has for all of us. (Jeremiah 29: 11-12; Luke 12: 7) We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8: 28-29) We know that on our own, our vantage points as humans are limited. We cannot see how all the magnificent puzzle pieces of our lives fit together. (Jeremiah 10: 23) This is ok, because the Lord of Hosts is with us and will help us. As He whispers to us in our hearts, the chaos and fear within us melts away. (Psalm 46: 5-6) And the path forward is revealed. (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

God loves us so much.

He is calling for us in the new year.

Dearest Jesus, please fill us with more and more humility, so that we can focus our thoughts more and more on God. Help us to pause and turn away from the distractions of daily life so that we can focus on what You are trying to show us. Help us to recognize You as our great source of joy and goodness … for we are placing all our hope in the truth of Your promise — If we look for You, we will find You. Dear God, help us to accept and experience the full joy of being loved by You. Amen.

Practicing humility naturally draws us closer to God. This frees us to live and love deeply with Him and for Him.

The goodness of God is a wonderful thing to ponder.

He loves you so much.

“‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,‘ declares the Lord.'” Jeremiah 29: 12-14