Back in 1985, Pres. Hinckley gave a talk on “Ten Gifts from the Lord”.  As I read through these gifts I was reminded of the spiritual purposes of Relief Society, and my blessings of its membership.

1. YOU HAVE THE GIFT, THE OPPORTUNITY, AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DOING GOOD.   Our charge, according to Jesus Christ himself, is to do the work we see Him do.  We live in a world full of hate and selfishness.  Pres. Hinckley throws a “what if” at us:  “I have often thought that if great numbers of the women of all nations were to unite and lift their voices in the cause of peace, there would develop a worldwide will for peace.”  So, sisters, what if we were to take this challenge on?  Within our home, our neighborhood, our ward, our state, the world.  This gift of Peace on Earth has been mankind’s dream for far too long.  Let the women do it.
2. PRAYER.    Prayer is indeed a gift.  We have the blessed gift to communicate one on one with our Father who loves us and wants to help us.  The inspiration we receive for ourselves and those around us allows us to be living instruments.  The answers we receive remind us of our value and our importance in His eyes.  When our struggles overpower us, our prayers can express our anguish, and our sobs can be embraced with mighty compassion.  When we use prayer as a tool, it becomes a gift indeed.
3. IT IS YOUR PRIVILEGE AND RIGHT TO TEACH.   How many of us really like to teach, and feel comfortable with the material at hand?  Says Pres. Hinckley, “There are few resources of which we are in greater need than dedicated teachers of the gospel who teach with faith, with conviction, and with the knowledge that comes of study.”  The Spirit is the true teacher, we are merely the vessel.  But what joy it is to understand, share, companion-teach with the Master and the Witness, the mysteries and promises of the Kingdom.
4. YOURS IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESIDE.  God demands order in all things.  But He also allows all of us to take an active part in his Church.  We have women presidents among us. We take turns captaining upon the calls we receive.  Sometimes it is our duty to preside, other times it is our duty to support.  Both are equally important to have order.
5. YOURS MAY BE THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.  The words MAY BE stand out.  This gift is conditional upon our worthiness and request.  The scriptures clearly state that women will prophesy in these last days. (See Acts 2:17-18) John the Revelator tells us that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”  (See Rev. 19:10) So, every time you bear your testimony, teach a friend, go visiting teaching, help someone, etc. you are accepting and appreciating this gift of the spirit of prophecy.
6. YOURS IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL.   Sisters can serve full time missions, but if they desire, their whole life can be a mission.  Motherhood, as you raise and teach your children.  Teachers, as you testify of truth to your students.  Neighbors, as you set an example of friendliness, service, and concern.  Volunteers, as you serve with all your heart, might, mind, and soul.  If you seek the opportunity to proclaim the gospel, you will find it.
7. WOMEN HAVE THE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES OF THE BLESSINGS OF THE TEMPLE.  Each covenant made in the temple is made by a woman, as well as a man.  Both are needed to participate in the richest blessings known to man.  The man cannot be exalted without the woman; neither the woman without the man. (See 1 Cor. 11:11)
8. YOURS IS ALSO THE PRIVILEGE TO MINISTER IN THE TEMPLES.   Emma, Eliza, Zina, and Bathsheba spent precious hours in the temple serving those in attendance.  As well, serving in the temple includes doing the work for our dead on a regular basis, researching, organizing, and proxying.  There is nothing like spending days in temple worship.
9. THE UNIQUE AND GOD-GIVEN PRIVILEGE OF MOTHERHOOD.  Notice this is Number 9 on the list.  Though important, this is not all we are good for.  But face it, as women, whether mothers or not, we have an influence on the young.  It’s our gift, our ability, our compassion.  All women everywhere can mother anyone at anytime.  This is our eternal gift.
10. THE ABILITY TO EDUCATE OUR MINDS AND HANDS, TO REFINE TALENT FOR USE.   Pres. Hinckley says, “Set your priorities in terms of marriage and family, but also pursue educational programs which will lead to satisfying work and productive employment in case you do not marry, or to a sense of security and fulfillment in the event you do marry.  Education will increase your appreciation and refine your talent.”

These gifts are not only valuable blessings, they are important responsibilities to stay worthy of, to move forward the kingdom of God on the earth, to live up to our purposes and privileges.  We all have much to be grateful for.

Taken from: “Ten Gifts from the Lord”, Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov 1985