GIFTS? What GIFTS?

To explain why I even decided to study on gifts and talents might take some time, but to keep it brief, I have always felt like I fell short in that area. More than fell short I have always felt like my gifts and talents were nothing more and nothing less than non-existent.
I really was tempted to take a spiritual gifts test that consisted of 140 questions on line to tell you which ones pertain to you....but I chose to just begin somewhere a little more...not 140 questions long...hhahah
To start out I looked up the word gift in the bible dictionary only because when you have no idea what you are studying the dictionary is your safest bet.
Right next to the word GIFT had other "see also" words. For example; Bribery (one of my favorites), contribution, grace, offering, present, talents. I didn't want to focus on gifts one can give such as gold, money, chocolates, food (which is what I usually use as bribery):) I wanted to focus on talents, and spiritual gifts.
I am already aware of the great spiritual gifts that are out there, and those talents that are both spiritual talents and show talents. I however am trying to discover what talent or gift I am suppose to have. I was dead set on not having any, convinced that Heavenly Father gave me the gift of making everyone else look good because of my lack thereof. I don't want to settle with that so I will continue until I find at least one more...or half of one.
Doctrine and Covenants 46:11 says, "For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God." If I could identify one weakness it is that I do wish I had every gift, but it is clearly not going to happen, but it does say I have to at least have one. Right?
Rather than trying to unbury my own gifts it may be easier to start with the gifts that are so easy to identify in those around me.
Amber is talented at way too many things and that is why I'm glad she's the bigger sister. She can handle uncanny amounts of stress all at the same time. She has a gift for being a mother and a friend at the same time. The gift of achievement plagues her...and she pulls through always almost as if it were effortless.
Melissa has the obvious gift of music, she can write music, play music, sing music, anything that has to do with music she not only does it, but defines it. The greatest thing about this gift/talent is that she always shares her testimony of christ which is another one of her greatest gifts.
Jared has an intellectual talent and it's one I've always admired. This gift is one that has made him question his testimony, but also strengthen it in the end. One gift I have always admired is being quick to observe ( David A. Bednar, “Quick to Observe,” Ensign, Dec 2006, 30–36)
"Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. Both of these fundamental elements—looking and obeying—are essential to being quick to observe. And the prophet Mormon is an impressive example of this gift in action." So, Jared may not totally have the obeying part down, but....:)
Riley has the gift and talent of standing steadfast and firm in his beliefs. He is a passionate person and will fight until the death if he truly believes in something. He doesn't back down and is my prime example.
My niece is one giant walking talent/gift. I've said this too many times, but she heals people, just by being herself. I don't know how she does it, but not all gifts can be explained right?
Every person in my family has overflowing gifts, maybe if I stand close enough I can absorb the left overs.
Somehow I still don't feel like I have talents or gifts to share and to help contribute to the church, or to those that surround me, but something occurred to me after reading a few talks. One was that many spiritual gifts can be highlighted or brought to the surface if desired with a pure heart. "We, too, can receive the gifts of the Spirit our Heavenly Father wants us to enjoy as we seek them earnestly, thank him for our blessings,"-David Bednar (apostle of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). Another way I could obtain certain gifts is to remember why Heavenly Father blesses us with gifts. It is not for our benefit and shouldn't be used to our benefit, but to serve those around us... “practise virtue and holiness before [him]” (D&C 46:32–33), and remember why he gives such marvelous gifts to his children.
“Seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given” (D&C 46:8). So all I really have to do is SEEK for these gifts, and really find out why they are so inclined to hide from me...
I guess just to end this pretty scattered entry I will leave it up to Elder Bednar and let him sum it up...because after all conlcuding and ending anything is not one of my gifts.
David A. Bednar, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord,” Ensign, May 2005, 99
I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us. Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits “his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men” (D&C 46:15).