Gifts and Talents for Everyone!

While walking with Abby to the bus stop a few days ago I had decided to carry my camera along to capture some tree buds in the early morning light.  As we walked and enjoyed the morning breeze, Abby looked up at me and said, “Mom, I think one of the things God put you here to do is take beautiful pictures of His creation and share them with others.”  I was speechless, which most of you know is not common.  

While I know that I am not a professional, I do love to take photos.  My favorite things to photograph are nature and its movements including birds, flowers, bugs, grains, people, animals and anything and everything with life.  I love to wait and watch for that moment where you can see someone’s personality shine, capture a bird cleaning her feathers, or view the light illuminate a flower’s pure colors.  God has created beauty all around and I love to catch it in action to save and share with others.  Abby’s words were so wonderful to hear, because I didn’t feel like that is what I was doing or able to do until she spoke so plainly that morning.  I have always loved to take photos, but I had never thought of it as something that I share with others.  I wouldn’t say that photography is my main talent or one what will change the world.  However, the eye for photography is a gift I was given and it is my joy to share it with others.

We all have talents and gifts that have been given to us by God. As Jesus told us in the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30, it is our job to share these talents and gifts with others for His joy and in His name.  Think of the last time you gave someone a gift that was not received well, was never used or you later found out was exchanged in the store and remember the way it made you feel.  After putting a lot of thought into a gift that you think the receiver will truly enjoy, it can hurt to have it tossed aside without appreciation.  Don’t let God think His gifts aren’t appreciated.  Today I challenge you to think of one talent you have left hidden on the back shelf, dust it off and put it to use.  Whether you cook, craft, juggle, tell jokes, write, take photos, are double jointed or any of the other thousands of talents out there share that gift with at least one person today.   Even if you just share it here, share it freely and know that the Lord rejoices in your gifts and wants all to see what He has given you.   Are you the servant that hides away your talents, or are you the servant that lets your talents grow?

 

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6