Here we are in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic surrounded by overwhelming uncertainty, debilitating illness, and devastating loss of life.  There is undoubtedly severe suffering, pain, and deep grief happening during this time.  That does not go unnoticed.  It is real and it is life-altering.

As the news channels and social media attempt to sensationalize all of the heartache and dramatize the numbers, I wonder if, instead, we could focus on the way people are using their unique gifts to offer what they have.  I see these gifts in the form of resources, specialized knowledge, items produced and donated, creatively finding ways to help. 

Here are some of the innovative examples that I have observed:

Acme glass company has designed and crafted plexiglass barriors to be used in the hospital when working with intubated patients.  Using their gifts.

Microsoft word, as I opened the program to type this post, has many created documents they named “Family Activities” for family and friends to connect, currently offered for free.  There are designed bookmarks, coloring pages, word finds, color by number, Sudoku, fill-in stories and more.  Using their gifts.

One school district is using all of their 3D printers to create thousands of face shields.  Using their gifts.

Dyson, who typically makes vacuum cleaners, and The Technology Partnership has designed and is manufacturing portable, battery-powered ventilators.  Using their gifts.

Multiple car manufacturers—Toyota, Ford, GM/Fiat—have shifted gears from car production and instead are manufacturing faceshields and visors.  Using their gifts.

Many, many seamstresses nationwide are creating homemade masks.  Using their gifts.

Multiple websites, including ABCmouse.com, etc. are offering their programs free for a limited time.  Using their gifts.

The app Headspace, a guided meditation app, is offering additional content to medical personnel, for free.  Using their gifts.

Several distilleries have changed their production efforts to large quantities of hand sanitizer.  Using their gifts.

Crocs is donating 10, 000 pairs of shoes each day to healthcare workers.  Using their gifts.

Serta Simmons Bedding donated 10, 000 mattresses to NYC hospitals and temporary medical facilities.  Using their gifts. 

So, I am reflecting today on how I might use my gifts not only to help during this pandemic, but in everyday life.  Have you considered this in your own life?  Have you identified your gifts?  I would encourage you to consider this, and find opportunities to contribute.  The world needs what only you can bring.  How are you using your unique gifts to offer what you have?