Most gifts are disposal. They serve for a short time, and have an expiration date. We get what we want out of them, then either toss them in the trash or put them on a shelf to be forgotten. The most thoughtful gifts are the ones that we do not keep, but give away. These gifts are being regifted with a purpose.
In and out of consciousness I hear, "Let me know if you feel anything?"
As my newborn daughter is whisked away, the doctor is preparing to stitch me up. He carefully unwrapped my body so I can gift my daughter with life.
My last few words before I fall unconscious are, "Check her palate."
Oddly, my mother's instinct told me this daughter would receive an unique gift, a cleft palate. A gift which originated with me, but through genetics I gave to her.
For me this gift was seen as a curse. For my daughter, however, she took her gift and is regifting it so others will benefit from her experience.
As a mother sharing this I am in tears, because I gifted a daughter to this planet which is regifting something so special. Her gift is to help others communicate.
~ Memories from November 2, 2000
What can be regifted with a purpose?
TIME
Time is a valuable commodity and something that is in short supply. When given ample time, it is best to use it wisely. Over the years, prior to recovery, I wasted my time. Today, I still struggle with my time, but it is my intention to use it to serve others.
Both my daughters are fortunate because they have mentors and/or teachers who gifted their time to write letters of recommendations to further their career aspirations. Not only did they receive excellent instruction and opportunities from their high school, but teachers who offered additional time placing their faith in each daughter’s abilities.
Even into my youngest daughter’s college career, one of her high school mentors taught at her university. Kirsten had the opportunity to learn from this school therapist at the collegiate level. This teacher spent her time writing a letter of recommendation for Kirsten’s grad school application, so Kirsten can further her education to meet her goals.
TALENT
We are all given unique gifts, aka talents. When a talent is pursued passionately it can be used as a tool to serve others. Not only is writing healing for me, but I am passionately pursuing it in hopes it is a talent that will serve others.
Each of my daughters are blessed with unique talents. My older daughter is a master communicator with people in the business world, while my younger daughter will use her communication skills for healing.
When God gifts us with a talent it is best to use it to serve others. As people we all have talents, each unique to us individually. My daughters are polar opposites, but both have been blessed with communication skills.
KNOWLEDGE
When information is absorbed it can be used to benefit others. I am a work in progress and have been researching writing, recovery, and biblical principal so I can share with others. When I meet with others who are struggling, I am learning the benefits of living a life of recovery.
The high school my daughters graduated from offer opportunities to explore career paths. With first hand experiences prior to choosing their college path, each of my daughters gained knowledge which helped shape their future.
We all learn on a different level and at a different pace. Both Kirsten and I were born with a disadvantage. When born with a cleft there is a potential for speech problems and hearing deficits. We both experienced a delay in learning. Kirsten, however, excelled and has been learning the science behind communication.
The Original Gift
My daughter and I were born with Pierre Robin Syndrome. It is a rare congenital birth defect characterized by an underdeveloped jaw, backward displacement of the tongue and upper airway obstruction. A cleft palate is commonly present with this condition.
Not only did Kirsten have her palate repaired as an infant, but she had multiple surgeries to combat hearing loss. She had a slow start, but her tenacious personality helped her persevere into adulthood.
As children both her and I spent time at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic. We were both exposed to children with craniofacial abnormalities. Kirsten has decided to take her childhood experience, being exposed to children struggling with their birth defects and pursue a career giving back to our community.
Grown Up and Regifted With A Purpose
Kirsten earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Penn State University (#3 best colleges for CS & D). Time, Talent, and Knowledge are gifts which she can repackage and give to others who are suffering with their communication.
Unlike children born in low and middle-income countries, Kirsten is offered opportunity. She is choosing to take advantage her positive experience of being a patient of the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic and education, both our country has to offer.
In addition to giving back to those struggling with communication, Kirsten is giving back by serving in the military. She is offered the freedom to thrive even after being born with a cleft.
Unwanted Gifts Regifted With A Purpose
Not all gifts are perceived as beneficial and seen as having the potential to serve a purpose, but it is what we do with that unwanted gift. As a child, being born with a cleft palate made me feel shameful. Early on I did not feel worthy and that feeling followed me into my adulthood.
God has a plan for each of us, even before our conception. He has a will for each of our lives and our imperfections play an important role. Being born with a birth defect doesn’t have to negatively shape who we are as adults. It is within our weaknesses that we will find our power. When struggling in life embracing our imperfections is what will help us grow.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
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