Talents can be represented in many different ways. They are special abilities and skills that have been given to us by God. The Bible tells us that we are all born with distinct talents and gifts. It tells us that when we discover our talents and if we use them correctly you will have a fulfilled and happy life. The question we need to ask ourselves is how can we recognise and use our talents? How can we make them work for our good and for the good of others?
I naturally loved to draw and paint from an early age. I would find myself in a world of my own as the hours just melted away. If we find out what we really love to do, we can feel that we are in another world. I believe this is a gift given by God.
We all have talents and skills that some are unaware of and need others to point them out. If we think about it and wrote down all the things we can do well, we would see how important and useful we are to others and ourselves. Our Lord wants us to feel whole and complete, and it is through talents that we can find our unique calling in life!
We must remember not only is it important to recognise our own talents, but one of the most beautiful things we can do is help others recognise theirs. My father, who was a talented boat builder, would say to others, “God has given you a talent”. He always could see potential in everyone and never failed to let them know it. It is so easy to find fault in ourselves and others but if we move our mindset we can focus on the positives.
Talents are found in everything we do and say and we can draw them out if we:
- Focus on our strengths – what do we enjoy doing?
- Celebrate other people’s talents – tell others what they are good at.
- Learn to be our best selves – a little regular effort can go a long way.
- Search for gratitude on a daily basis – be grateful for the things you can do well.
While teaching I would often listen to some older students claiming they struggled to recognise their talents. When asked, “what are you good at or what do you enjoy doing?” Some would answer they were not good at anything. This was the time to get them to refocus their mind and their mindset. No one is born into this world without talent but we tend to compare ourselves to others and that’s where we fall down.
Reach your own goals for you and for God. Use your talent to the best of your ability. Be happy for the person who is doing what they are doing. Remember you are walking your own journey. Your talents are relevant to how you see the world. Your journey is yours, so go get it and live it.
Be the best that you can be!
Ephesians 2:10 For we are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do…
Tina Ruddy teaches is Saint Brigid’s Primary and Nursery School, Carnhill, Derry. Tina is also an artist.
Image ©Tina Ruddy
