Every so often, my wife Pam and I look back and marvel at what God has done in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We got married more than fifty years ago and we’ve been very happy together. God has provided for us in good times and bad and He has led us both into good careers for which neither of us was very well prepared. We each had certain gifts that made those careers possible, despite our lack of preparation. Not long ago, we went to a retirement party for our dear friend Chris Jones and it made me think of today's passage. Let's listen to it:

A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. (Proverbs 18:10)

A number of years ago, my friend Chris told me that he was leaving his safe accounting job with the Federal government and was going to work for a small, construction-related company. I knew the company and I knew its owner so I was concerned, especially during a troubled economy. That small company failed. Shortly after that, however, Chris went to work for a company that would grow to be a leading site contractor in the region, and where Chris eventually became its Chief Financial Officer. Today's passage reminds us that the gifts God gives us open doors for us to step through. Chris has marvelous gifts in the areas of finance and management and God used those gifts. When I look back, I realize that my entire career was a series of jobs for which I had little preparation. I didn't know it at the time, but God had given me gifts in communication and surprisingly, an ability to manage people. It's not just careers, though; God opens all kinds of doors for us when we trust Him. Many good things in life happen as we walk through those doors that open in front of us without knowing what will be on the other side. I encourage you to seek God and trust Him for your future as you go about your daily life using the gifts He has given you. Along the way, you may discover gifts you didn’t even know you had. He will be on the other side of those opening doors to guide you...and that is very Good News!