I can’t get off the topic of talents and using them in service to others. But today, I’m convicted on using my time well, as well.
Now, the story I’m sharing with you today, has gotten me some grief from my friends Andy and Allen. But I still want to share it with you anyway, because some days I feel like I accomplish so little.
“Have you ever heard the story about the farmer who told his wife one morning that he was going out to plow the “south forty?” He got off to an early start so he could oil the tractor. He needed more oil, so he went to the shop to get it. On the way to the shop, he noticed the pigs weren’t fed. So he proceeded to the corncrib, where he found some sacks of feed. The sacks reminded him that his potatoes were sprouting. When he started for the potato pit, he passed the woodpile and remembered that his wife wanted wood in the house. As he picked up a few sticks, an ailing chicken passed by. He dropped the wood and reached for the chicken. When evening arrived, the frustrated farmer had not even gotten to the tractor, let alone to the field.
“How many times have you found yourself in a similar situation? You intended to do something you know was important, but were distracted and never accomplished what you set out to do. Or perhaps you can think of something that you have always wanted to do but can never find time for. By the same token, are you aware of something that you do often that is a waste of time?” Managing our time well is a talent.
The author continues, “Do you remember the parable of the talents as it is recounted in Matthew 25:14-30? Jesus tells a story of a master who gave three of his servants money (talents) to invest while he was away. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; and to a third servant, one talent. When the master returned, he asked all three to account for the money. The servants who had received five and two talents, respectively, were rewarded, for both had doubled their talents through wise investments. The third servant, however, had done nothing with his talent. Because of this poor performance, no reward was given, and in fact, his talent was taken away from him and he was punished.
“One of the many lessons to be learned here for us is that God expects us to invest whatever He gives us. Often we think of God’s blessings in terms of money or material goods. But time is also a gift of God, one that He has given all of us equally each day, and we are expected to use it wisely.
“Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15,16)”
From the book, Managing Yourself by Stephen B. Douglass
I have LOTS of friends who are using their God-given talents well. It’s always such a blessing to see what God is doing in their lives. A few come to mind:
The first that comes to mind is Robert (Bob) Bell. In the middle of this recession, he quit his job and started his own photography studio. You can check out his passion/work at: http://rbellphotography.com/
Another friend, that I thought of, who is pursuing her passion and using her talents is my friend, Debbie Cunningham. She’s a full-time mom and Jazz Vocalist. She’s amazing! Check out Debbie at: http://debbiecunninghamjazz.com/
And the third friend, who came to mind, is Rachel Kelley. Rachel is a busy mom who loves to be creative (i.e. pumpkin cookies). So, she wrote and self-published a children’s book. (Her mom did all the artwork!) It’s a great story with a valuable lesson for kids. I love how she goes into the schools and reads the story to the kids and gets them to talk about their talents! My copy of her book arrived today in the mail! You can get more info at: http://michaelkelleyproductions.com/store/
I’m inspired by others who spend their time and talents making this world a better place. I hope that Sarah and I can do our best to use our God given talents in a way that will brighten someone’s day as well! www.swaythemovie.com
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