Give Your Talents

Let's talk about talents. Everyone has talents. Some show more than others, but everyone is good at something in their own way. And everyone, whether they realize it or not, can contribute with their individual talents.

Let's say you're good at singing. Someone, somewhere would be delighted to hear your voice. Maybe a grandma at a nursing home who hasn't heard a melodious tune in ages. Or maybe you're a great communicator and teacher. Someone, somewhere needs reassurance. Someone, somewhere needs to know that they are loved. If you're a writer, you can inform, help or even heal with your words. Someone, somewhere could be touched by what you have to say - even if your message comes across on paper.

Likewise, virtually any talent can be used to glorify God. As Christians, our job is to spread the Word, the good news, of Christ. Think about it. One of my favorite quotes is, "Do what you can do, with what you have, where you are." Anything you have is enough for God. Wherever you are, whatever you can do, will be pleasing to God. So don't hide your talents under the bowl. Put them on a stand, where they are there to be pleasing to God and to be enjoyed by others. Don't keep your God-given talents to yourself. Because when you put your light on the stand, it will shine on others' shadows, and you will know that you have used what you have, where you are, to do what you can. You will know that your talents are not only for you, but they can touch other people in so many ways. So this Lenten season, give. Give your talents and your light, and it will shine through the whole house.

— Jodi LeBolt, age 13

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist