One needs to have appreciation to use the gifts you have. Whether you appreciate your microwave or not, it will still work the same. Alas! Not the same with ‘gifts’.
We need to acknowledge, be aware of our strengths, to bring them out, esp. when you meditate ... notice and look back, love and appreciate. Appreciate is to actually know the finer aspects, like a skilled jeweler who knows his art.
So, as you come to discover the finer aspects of your strengths, or gifts, you begin work optimally, with yourself, with all your being.
Peace
Old Tibetan Saying:
To know thoroughly one's own virtues or powers is characteristic of an excellent man [Tiy 61].
