I’ve been thinking about the scripture our pastor talked about recently, (Matthew 25:14-26) where it talks about the Master giving his servants each a certain amount of “talents” (form of money) before he left on a trip. They were to do their best with these talents so upon the Master’s return they would be able to show him how they made more from what he had given them. The first two took theirs and using their abilities doubled what they had been given. The third however, being afraid and worried about what would happen if he lost what he had been given; took his and buried it. Upon his master’s return, he returned to him no more than he had been given to begin with.
So it is with our gifts, talents and abilities that the Lord has given each of us. I believe that God has designed a unique purpose for each one of us that requires using the talents He has given us. But how do we “know” what that gift or talent is? Simple: what do you enjoy and do well?
For me, I enjoy writing. It is the one thing that can both energize and calm me. My most satisfying moments are when I am in the “midst” of living life and suddenly something that is happening around me grabs my attention and my mind begins spinning a story about it. Most times, it is a realization of how God is using the situation to teach me something more about Him, about others, about loving and about life.
Yet, instead of penning the story to share with others, I keep it bottled-up in my head (which I’m sure one day will not be as sharp as I want it to be!) Or, I journal it somewhere where it is “safe” and not able to be shared. My shovel has been put to use for many years now… burying the things God is teaching me. Just like the servant given one talent, I too have chosen to bury my talents.
Why? Because like that servant, I am afraid. Afraid of what others might think of my “silly” thoughts. Afraid I may not write perfectly. Afraid it won’t amount to anything. Even afraid, I might find something I enjoy doing and then what? Isn’t it amazing what fear can do to us? Why should I be afraid of doing something I enjoy? Because in other people’s eyes; I might fail.
But, I have finally made the decision to put away my shovel and bring out the watering can. No longer am I going to “bury” what God has put a desire in my heart to do. I believe He has a purpose with my desire to write and it’s time I started using it and let Him water it to see where it goes. With God in control of the watering can, I doubt I’ll end-up with soggy papers… but if I don’t let Him use it; all I will have is a dry well.
Does anyone else have a “talent” you have been burying instead of watering? Are you ready to put away your shovel and bring out a watering can instead? I hope so. And I hope you will take the time to share your thoughts with us. Together, we each can encourage another and watch our talents grow.
Enjoy More of Life,
Jennifer
enjoymoreoflife 