Every so often in my reading a bit of prose comes to my attention that strikes me as perfectly well thought out. This one I am sharing:
“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”
These encouraging words come by way of Henry Van Dyke, a Presbyterian minister, poet and writer in the early 20th century. God has blessed every one of us with specific talents. We may excel in one or more of those talents, while in others we may not shine as brightly, but still we should use all of the talents given.
I often think highly of my sister Jan’s designing ability because she is a florist and in a matter of minutes she can craft a stunning arrangement of flowers. That does not mean that Jan does not have many other lesser talents, she does, she is a wonderful host, among others. She uses all of her many talents to enrich the lives of those around her.
My other sister Gay cares for her son, who is severely physically restricted. I don’t have a mothering bone in my entire body, but for over 50 years this sister has given every moment of her existence to care for her beloved son John. Somehow in her spare time Gay also guides students, teachers and school boards by availing some of her other talents to the State of Pennsylvania educational system.
What marvelous talents both sisters have been given, and each of them is using those God-given talents to the best of their ability. The gifts God shares with us He expects us to share with others for many reasons, including adding to their enjoyment, knowledge and sometimes relief.
I was considering this when it crossed my mind how in the past I have been jealous of another’s talent. My friend Cheryl is excellent at creating jewelry, scarves and all types of lovely crafts. She and several others have always graciously blessed me with the results of their God-given gifts. How selfish it was of me to desire a talent not given to me but to another.
For many years now I have accepted that God does indeed spread widely those talents He created, and although each of us may enjoy using one talent above another, all of our talents are given to enrich the entire body of the human race.
Particularly as Christians we are taught that the body of the Christian church cannot run on just one person with one talent. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”
We, the church, are a body of believers. I find that as our particular congregation has been in the many stages of searching for and selecting the candidates to fill our pulpit that the entire body of believers has been blessing us with many of their special talents over the seemingly long two-year wait. The talent of hospitality has been offered again and again, often by the same persons, for the use by the potential candidates and the members of the church.
This spring flowers popped up around the church that were planted and are being cared for by a member with that gift. Our secretarial staff has been filled by several women willing to come to the office and share their computer skills and talents until that position is filled. The manse is being updated, and those congregants with their God-given special talents of home repair have been working inside painting and updating the house to present it as a lovely residence for our new pastor. So many parts of the earthly Body of Christ have been and are working together for the glory of our Lord.
Whether we are the bird that sings beautifully or the bird that hums in tune let us keep the music flowing using our talents to God’s glory.
Editor’s note: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
