Use What You Have

What's your talent?  I mean that one thing that you do undeniably well? Mine, humbly speaking, is writing. It was a pleasant gift that God blessed me with to express myself outside of myself. Anyone who knows me understands that I can't always verbally articulate how I'm feeling but when I write it, every emotion is transcendent to the point where the recipient has complete clarity. This capability wasn't materialized from being taught, but it was something that I've always been able to do. I can remember being in the fourth or fifth grade and starting what appeared to be heading in the direction of a novel of some sort. My mother found my little pink pages and quickly discarded them because they seemed a little pass my time. I understand the shock of what she was reading being that I was only ten and was writing a story about a couple with marital issues but what I didn't understand was why she never spoke to me about it. There was also a time when I wrote my first real poem. Upon finishing it, I ran quickly to my father's room to read it to him and two of my other siblings. To my surprise, I was laughed at and accused of not writing it. At first, I felt a little desponded, but later amused. I'd written something that three adults didn't believe that I had the capability of writing. So my question to you today is what talents have you hidden away that can possibly be edifying to someone else?

The very first time that you discover that your talent is most gratifying. You feel privileged and somewhat amazed that you're able to do something with very little effort needed. Now this is not to say that gifts and talents don't need fine tuning. No, on the contrary. Anyone who wants to perfect their craft has to put forth constant effort to see it materialize into something extraordinary. We've all met people who excelled in certain areas but they're always looked at in a sense where they could be so much more if they only applied themselves. I've been hearing this since elementary school. My response was always pretty nonchalant. I was flattered when people saw my potential but not enough to make me actually work at it. At the time, I didn't really see anything special about telling a heartfelt story, although I myself had been brought to tears on some occasions by reading the words of others and sharing in their experience. I didn't understand the inspiration behind it because I didn't believe what was in my heart could actually reach the heart of someone else. I bet you have a talent that not many people know about because you feel like it wouldn't be of much value. Please listen to the words of Dr. Myles Munroe, a great Pastor and Teacher who soon passed away after conducting this interview.

If you weren't inspired to tap into your amazing abilities earlier, I'm more than sure you are now. Your gifts are your direct contribution to this world. Whether it be singing, dancing, writing, acting, artistry, or whatever, take some time to consider how exactly what God has given you can benefit someone else. Some people have the gift of encouragement where they're able to push people beyond their own belief  just by speaking motivationally. Everyone isn't able to this and be effective, even when their intent is good.

I encourage everyone who has ever noticed that gem within themselves to nourish and begin to share it with someone else. If you can sing, share it with your children, it just may be the best memory of their childhood. If you can write, be the story through your ink that no one has ever written before. Whatever your gift or talent may be, please don't conceal it, but share it with someone else. Also, take the time to see the light in others. If you notice your child's love for music, encourage them by getting them lessons or taking them to the theater. If they're great at math and have an explorative nature, expose them to the world of science. As quoted by John W. Gardner, "True happiness involves the full use of one's power and talent." So use what you have because you never know how your ability may influence someone else.



Davina