Gifts

Sometimes I wish I could draw or paint. Then I imagine what it would be like to have the ability to calculate and rhyme off a multitude of mathematical formulae without digging out a text. Maybe having athletic prowess would be something to treasure. Or what if I could pick up an instument and make beautiful music? If I could sing like an angel, then I think I would love that.

I read a newspaper article the other day about a gal in England who is 47 and who has just recently brought her gifts to the forefront via a rather different venue - Britain's Got Talent. She, in fact, sings like an angel.

The show is an American/Canadian Idol spin-off and they have all sorts of different folk strutting their stuff and trying to prove why they should win the coveted award and be named the most talented in the country.

Anyway, this singer - Susan Boyle seems to have a lovely story and an amazing voice. I checked her out on YouTube. She was apparently born and raised in a wee village in Scotland (near where I used to live) and spent many years caring for her aging and sick parents. She sang in the church choir and appears as humble in spirit with her new-found fame. I heard her in an interview on CNN and as she signed off after the interviewer had gushed and remarked on her amazing singing abilities, she said something that I thought was really sweet. She told the interviewer to remember that she was special, too.

I thought about that statement. We are all given gifts and abilities that emerge sooner or later. We are all special in God's eyes and the gifts He has given us will glorify Him as long as we recognize and use them. I perhaps see that as my challenge, or at least, a reminder.

Maybe not everyone is cut out to be a famous singer or an artist extraordinaire. But there are many different kinds of gifts. Those of hospitality; those who care for the sick, the needy, the poor. Some teach; others preach; some have a heart for spreading the love of God through drama, dance, writing. There are prophets and poets and politicians and shepherds and mechanics, musicians and craftspeople and lovers of animals...

Do you ever wonder where you fit in? I know I do. But the more I think about it the more I realize that we are each an important part of the puzzle called life. Our job is not to make the puzzle pieces fit together. That's God's job. Our part is to make sure we are using our gifts and abilities in a manner fitting to His plan.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me togetherin my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful..." Psalm 139:13-14