Reason # 10 Know your GIFTS

 KNOW YOUR GIFT





One of the joys of my life is the deep sense I've always had that I came to this earth with a mission.

They say, “What’s in a name?”
Well, maybe with a name like "Ernest", there was a clue right from the start...



Meaning:

A classic and strong name, rooted in the Germanic languages, it speaks of seriousness, earnestness, and determination. 


Now combine that with a CANCER Star sign and you have an interesting mix.




Cancer Core Traits:

  • Emotional & Intuitive:
    Cancers are deeply sensitive and emotionally intelligent. They often feel things intensely and can sense the moods of others easily.

  • Nurturing & Protective:
    Natural caregivers, they are deeply loyal to those they love and will go out of their way to support and protect them.

  • Home & Family Oriented:
    Home is their sanctuary. They find great meaning in creating a safe, warm, and loving space for family and friends.

  • Empathetic & Compassionate:
    Compassion runs deep. They’re often the friend or partner who listens patiently and genuinely cares.

  • Creative & Imaginative:
    Cancers often have a rich inner world. Many are drawn to the arts or other forms of creative expression.

  • Loyal & Devoted:
    Once they commit to someone or something, they give it their all.

  • Moody & Withdrawn (Shadow Side):
    Due to their emotional depth, they can sometimes retreat into their "shell" or become moody when hurt.

  • Sensitive to Criticism:
    They may take things personally, even if not intended that way.

Cancer in a Nutshell:

Kind-hearted, intuitive, emotionally rich, and fiercely loyal. They lead with their hearts and care deeply—often the emotional glue in any group or family.




Many years ago, a lecturer addressed me with a knowing smile and said, “You are well-named, young man.” I think she saw right through me.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I do have a good sense of humor, and I’ve certainly had moments of making people laugh (especially with my Namaqualand stories!). But for the most part, I have always been a fairly serious person.

So yes, perhaps I was well named… for the mission ahead.

One Bible verse that has always resonated with me is Psalm 139:13:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

To me, that verse suggests we are formed with a specific purpose—equipped with the talents and gifts needed for the job we’re here to do.




Reflecting on yesterday’s post, it’s fair to say that one of my callings was to build houses. But over time, my other gifts led me toward a career in social sciences. That path eventually took center stage, and I never pursued building as my core profession.

Instead, my true calling became helping others reach their full potential—through training and qualification development.

I’ve always had a strong passion for systems and improving processes too. That doesn’t mean lowering standards—quite the opposite. It means removing stumbling blocks so that people can succeed without being overwhelmed by red tape.

This passion led me naturally into a career in training, and later into the academic world.

And then, of course, there is also another passion, one of the deepest joys of life - officiating weddings. That very calling initially  guided me to become a Reverend and Counsellor. While I later found even more joy in developing training programs and initiatives. I still counsel people in my spare time too. It’s just no longer at the core of what I do.

Some people say I’m a “born teacher”- and I sincerely hope they are right. I absolutely love teaching. To me, it’s essential that teaching happens in a non-threatening, empowering space. It’s all about imparting skills in a way that uplifts and inspires. (Can-do attitude!!!)(Not the most-will-fail attitude of so many institutions)

So today, I celebrate the fact that I’ve always had a fairly good sense of what I came here to do—even though the road has been far more surprising, intriguing, and exciting than I ever imagined.



If I had to sum it up, I’d say I came to this earth to:

  • Help others reach their full potential—through counselling, consulting, and coaching.

  • Design new curricula and training programs that remove career barriers.

  • Be creative in developing new systems and methods.

  • Offer guidance and support to those who trust me.

  • Build houses.

  • Officiate weddings.

  • Love Creativity and Entertaining and a few hobbies like writing poetry etc.


Turning 60 is not the end of the journey—there is still so much more to learn, discover, and share.

Thanks for visiting and walking along side me!


28 May 2025


LINK:

LINK to Landing page with LINKS to other "REASONS" posts






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