Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Monday, May 5, 2014

Bowing to Someone Else's Gifting

Years ago, when I seemed to be a sponge, taking in every book or teaching I heard, I absorbed a valuable lesson.

I can't remember all the details, but at the end of the lesson I coined a phrase, "bow to their gifting/talent". This tool became invaluable.  Bowing to someone's gifting/talent is the aspect of stepping aside and watching someone move in their abilities.  This has allowed me to learn from some of the best.  I have never been made to feel I had to compete or justify my acquiescence in any area.  I step aside and support the leader, without having a problem with letting them lead.

As I restarted my decorating business, I took this motto again.  Since it has been awhile since I have been in the business, I knew there were things I needed to learn.  God has so graciously led me to people with talent/gifts.  As they have used their gifts/talents I have learned, as well as allowed them to make my business look good.

When I looked up to the ceiling of my client's dining room, I knew what I wanted on that ceiling.  Even though I have painted in my own home, I wasn't ready to venture into a client's home.  I went looking for someone whose talents outdid mine, and I found him.



I took the mirrors off the bottom of the walls.  I also removed the valance and panels.  The walls were all painted white and the bottom squares painted with the same red that accents the stairway wall.  I then brought in the painter.   I sent him ideas for the design. He met with my client and I and asked for any extra touches... they like peacocks.  He then designed the ceiling.  After two days his work was completed.

Can you see the peacocks?
  




  He brought his talent into the entry way with unique, corner designs.



He is just one of the many whom I am "bowing to their gifting/talents" and in doing so, they are letting my decorating come into full view.  When the new drapes I designed are hung, and the dining room chairs are bought, I will come back with more pictures.  Right now I am enjoying other's talents/giftings, who are making me look good.

16 Joining in with more words:

Vee said...

Lovely...wonderful, useful concept this "bowing to another's giftings."

camp and cottage living said...

What a gift your friend has!
I look forward to seeing the whole place with your curtains, Janette.

Debbie said...

Well they are "bowing" to your gifting of seeing it all in your head. I love the ceiling. And I'd love to see the whole things when your finished. What a fun job this would be. I'd really enjoy it!

Unknown said...

Oh that was such an awesome story, and I bow to your wonderful way of sharing with all of us. Jan it's been way to long since I visited your blog, but I can assure you I'll be back soon...Blessings dear..

Sandy said...

Your gifts are many, Janette, including being able to do some bowing when necessary. This ceiling is so beautiful and I hope to see the completed project soon. I wish you every success as you continue on in this venture.
Big Hugs!

Lisa said...

I love it! It really adds just that special something to the whole room! It's so awesome that God led you to someone whose gifting so beautifully complimented your own.

Brenda Lazzaro Yoder, said...

Beautiful! I wish more of the world knew how to bow to other's giftings, I think we'd truly see the body of Christ like He desires. I love to see your gifts come to life.

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Well, Jeanette, this does not surprise me one bit. You are such a humble, humble lady and as you said, his work intermingled with your work is a "win win situation." Just beautiful!!!

Pom Pom said...

Ideas are so valuable, aren't they? Your attitude is so right-on. I feel sure you are a blessing to all of the people who invite you in to use your wonderful gifts.

Sue Anne McKinney said...

beautiful!!! haha, I love the peacocks and I think about how I'm nervous just to paint my ceilings a sky blue!!!

Haven't done it yet, but still thinking about it....

Debbie said...

Well first? It's lovely! I do see the peacocks, but I love how he did it so subtly, instead of painting big old peacocks on the wall.

Second, I love the teaching. It happens to be something that God presses on my heart regularly in recent years. We seem to be a culture where too many want to be the "one", whether they are the one whom God gifted for the work or not.

We need more Janettes in this world, in more ways than this, too.

I know your client is glad that they have bowed to YOUR gifting!

Sue said...

My motto has always been this, I am a good follower as long as I have a good leader,Looks like you have a good one, it is absolutely beautiful! You have exemplified Christ in not wanting to exalt yourself, but putting others with great gifts and talents ahead of yourself. What a testimony to those around you.

I was so blessed by your last post,another great testimony of God's grace and faithfulness to us, what a bond you couples share, one that is cemented by love and trust of each other. How awesome is that.

And now please say hi to Benjamin,the duck keeper, hope his ducks are doing well.

Janette when i look back over this past year and see what God has done for you and through I stand in Awe, not so much as what God has done, though He has done so much, but the way you have walked in His will and pathway, to me that is why He does these things! Am I making in sense here!? I just know that seeing you walk in victory, spurs me on!
Much love and hugs,
Sue

Debbie Petras said...

I love the ceiling! And I love that phrase you used 'bowing to someone else's gifting'. How often do people envy other people's gifting? I love that you appreciate and learn from others. That's something we teach in preschool. :) And of course, the teachers learn too. LISTEN!

I love what you're doing in your design business and applaud you Janette.

Love,
Debbie

Debbie Petras said...

I love the ceiling! And I love that phrase you used 'bowing to someone else's gifting'. How often do people envy other people's gifting? I love that you appreciate and learn from others. That's something we teach in preschool. :) And of course, the teachers learn too. LISTEN!

I love what you're doing in your design business and applaud you Janette.

Love,
Debbie

Maryann said...

This is beautiful Janette, I'm all about bowing to another's gifting.

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Janette, your willingness to use the talents of others puts you into great company.The wise leader surrounds himself with even those more talented and wise. Your imagination and talent are amazing, Janette.

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