I’m a youth group leader and recently had the privilege of working with a group of 12 pre-schoolers. These little ones are 3- and 4-years old. As with most pre-schoolers they are busy, inquisitive, energetic and exploratory. One little girl in particular stood out to me that day. No matter what activity we tried – painting, puzzles, reading, singing, a pretend marching band – she said “ But, I can’t do it”. I began to tell her repeatedly that she CAN do it; she can be ANYTHING. I encouraged her to keep trying. I told her not to give up. Eventually, as the afternoon went on, she stopped saying she could not do things and started trying harder. She didn’t even know she had some of those talents and abilities because she hadn’t even tried. Some of the activities did not come easy for her; But with some guidance, practice and experience, her skills and abilities grew.
I started thinking: just because something doesn’t come naturally, immediately, or automatically, doesn’t mean we can’t be gifted and talented in that area. Then, I thought about Moses, who didn’t think he could be an eloquent speaker. He had a speech impediment, after all. Therefore, when God told him to go speak to Pharaoh on His behalf, Moses said “But, I can’t”. Yet, in reality he could. He hadn’t tapped into that talent. He was sure that because of his condition, he surely could not. But, he could and he DID. He stirred up his gift.
Let’s take an example from more recent (secular) history. Everyone knows Michael Jordan as a great basketball player; some say the greatest player EVER. However, he didn’t have an automatic or immediate gift in the game. In fact, Jordan was cut from his high school team. He could have given up then. He could have said “it’s not for me. I’m not good at it. It’s not meant to be.” He stirred up his gift and... well, the rest is history.
Sometimes it takes time and hard work to realize our gifts and talents, but that doesn’t make them any less real. If anything the abilities we work hardest to cultivate might be the most valuable.
Why should you have to work at it if it’s a gift? Shouldn’t gifts come naturally? Well, maybe sometimes they don’t – maybe that helps us to appreciate our gifts and talents more. Maybe we will take them more seriously if we have to work for them. Maybe we will be willing to share them with- and teach them to others.
I have a friend who owns a beauty salon. After several failed attempted, she finally found the right combination and made it work. She too could have said “It’s too hard, it must not be meant to be.” But, she had a fire in her heart and passion in her soul and she remained faithful. As a result she now has a thriving business; a legacy to leave her kids; and a great story of encouragement to tell everyone.
To realize the gift or talent, sometimes you have to stir it up… and keep stirring!
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