A Talent or Two

"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants 
and entrusted to them his property.  To one he gave five talents, 
to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.  
Then he went away.  He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, 
and he made five talents more.  So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.  
But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.  
(Matthew 25:14-18) 

This past week I looked at the people I love and saw them singing, dancing, acting, sewing, painting, drawing, sculpting, playing instruments, cooking, baking, playing sports, being patient, loving, gentle, organized, motivated and moving forward in their callings.  I then looked at myself through insecurity's distorted glasses, and thought I saw nothing.

What gifts do I have?  

What could I possibly contribute to anything?  

Everyone else is going places, 

and then there's me...

Oh, what a very human view of things!

I spent one morning this week praying and studying the parable of the talents, and something that struck me was that the talents did not belong to the servants.  The master divided His money among His servants as He saw fit, and expected them to multiply it.  And yes, the parable is speaking about talents meaning money, but I believe its lessons apply to gifts and skills as well.

What if we were to view our talents and gifts in the same way?  What if, rather than trying to improve my writing skills in order to be successful, gain approval or feel important in some way, I were to use the writing skills the Lord has blessed me with to further His kingdom, and give Him glory?  Or, what if, rather than wishing I'd been given five talents, rather than one, I acknowledged that, as James 1:17 says,

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of lights 

with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

What if I viewed my life as a time to serve the Lord, instead of working to bring praise to myself?  What if I stopped trying to compete with those who have been gifted in different ways than I have been?

"For by the grace given to me

 I say to everyone among you not to think of himself 

more highly than he ought to think, 

but to think with sober judgment, 

each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.  

For as in one body we have many members, 

and the members do not all have the same function,  

so we, though many, are one body in Christ, 

and individually members one of another.  

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, 

let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;  

if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;  

the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; 

the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

(Romans 12:3-8 emphasis added)

Having differing gifts is not a negative thing here.  It doesn't matter in which ways we are gifted, "Let us use them," to the glory of God.

I may not be an artist.  I may not be a fantastic cook.  I may not be the most organized person.  I may not be able to sing particularly well. That's fine.  The Lord doesn't ask me to be or do any of those things.  He simply asks me to obey His word, look to Him, and use what gifts He has given me, no matter how few or small, to bring Him glory and honor.

So many lessons lately.  Thank you, Father.

Over and out,

~Emily

P.S. I pulled a muscle in my leg the other day while working out... Prayers would be lovely.  Blessings to you all!

It's Been Awhile...

I had no intention to leave this blog dormant for so long, but life took off and left me scrambling.  For not posting, I apologize.  For not posting while I wasn't thinking quite straight, you're welcome.

Wow.  Thinking through all the adventures I've had since I last posted takes me through so many memories.  So much has happened; where do I begin?

Shortly before Nationals in June a young man started to show interest in me.  I was entirely unprepared and unsure of what to do with the wide range of emotions I was feeling.  I was charting unknown territory.  It was good, but it was unknown nonetheless.

I met him about five years ago through speech club, but had never really formed a friendship, or spent much time with him.  Soon after Josh died in May my family started attending his church, and I grew closer to many people, including this young man and his family.

Through a comedy of errors, many tears, and much happiness, Aaron and I started our courtship on August fifth, his twenty-first birthday.

We have learned so much individually and together since then.  God is so gracious!  From a surprise Nerf attack and breakfast on my birthday, to roses and lots of coffee, poems and songs, dancing, reading the Bible, praying, singing, waiting out in the cold to see the Hobbit at midnight, snowshoeing, ice-skating, teasing on Christmas Eve and cooking... These have been the most beautiful five months of my life.

I was trying to think of how I could possibly boil it all down to one lesson, and I don't know if I'll be able to do that effectively, but I'll try.

Through being the recipient of a godly man's love for these months, and having him care for me in innumerable ways I have seen a shadow of what God's love for me looks like.  I have seen a man giving me his love and energy and gentleness and care.  I've seen him give and give and give and give, and while I try, there are times when I've been sick or feeling down and I cannot give back.  I've been served when I've been unable to serve him.

He doesn't do this out of duty or necessity.  He does it out of love that I could never deserve.

How very like our King!  And this love that I am so in awe of is only a shadow of the sort of love God has for His people!

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God!  

The children of mankind take refuge 

in the shadow of your wings."

(Psalm 36:7)

Photo Credit: Gabrielle Photography

It's good to be back.  I'm not sure how often I'll be able to post, or what I'll be writing about, but it is a joy to write again.  We'll see what the Lord does!

Blessings on you all!

Over and out,

~Emily

P.S. Isn't he SO handsome?!