The Talent Show

I’ve never been particularly talented at any one thing. I’ve witnessed loads of people with natural inclinations toward a sport or a special ability that makes its’ appearance early in childhood; not me. After fifty years, I was ready to throw the towel in, but finally, in the nick of time, I may have discovered something important.

When Jack and I were youngsters, our parents enrolled us in piano lessons. I was definitely not “a natural” but I did learn to read music and respect the value of practice, which I avoided continually. God bless Mrs. Fuller who showered grace and kindness on both of us back in the day.

Our extended family is jam-packed with lively, entertaining, people. All anniversaries, weddings, or celebrations of any kind required a sizable venue. I have 35 first cousins on my dad’s side; we’re no small potatoes, girlfriend. The rented hall usually featured a stage and that’s all the encouragement this rowdy crowd needed.

Aunts and uncles lined up to step dance, recite poems, sing ditties and perform skits.  Jake the Peg, the three-legged crooner was always a crowd favourite. Our family overflows with talent.

I’ve never had a problem pointing out distinct gifts in any of our eight sons either. That’s a no-brainer. Our family tree is ripe with talented people. But I’ve never seen myself as one of them. Instead, I’ve stumbled around, insecure in my own skin and yearning for some sort of special ability. Why can’t I just do something meaningful?

Over the years, and seemingly unconnected to this great search for purpose, I sensed God nudging me to share my story. Not the kind of nudge your brother gives you when you’re teetering beside the edge of the pool fully clothed; this was different.

It seemed everywhere I turned there were signs, pushing and prodding, coaxing me along to write stories and encourage women. I felt very sure that this was from God, but at the same time, I was not a writer. I had no special ability, skill, or degree and about a bazillion reasons why I couldn’t possibly do it. Still, He urged me forward.

I’d like to tell you that I obeyed immediately like a lowly human interacting with almighty God. But that would be a lie. I argued, avoided, appealed, and suggested other women who better fit the position. I made a list of reasons why I was not the girl for the job. Highlights included my sordid past (who would listen to me?) my lack of education and my steadily depleting confidence.

One by one, God took his giant permanent marker and stroked things off that list, teaching me that this is actually His story; I only play a small part. I’m discovering He will continually equip me for anything He asks me to do, and carry me precisely the distance He intends for me to go.

Listen, sister, I still get thrown off the track sometimes. We all do. I forget that this is His plan and I get all balled up, worried about next steps and how in the world I can do any of it.

Does this sound familiar to you? Girlfriend, we need to ignore the lies in our heads and remember the One who called us is faithful. He will supply all we need to get the job done. The talent, the timing, and the tools. He will provide the ability and the opportunity, to do His bidding. We only need to take the very next step.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans