Are you using your talents well? This isn’t the time for hiding your light under a bushel, but rather owning your God-given skills to serve Him and others to the best of your ability.
Different people have different skills. Some people use a screwdriver like it is an extension of their arm. They zip in and zip out – and throw in a few fancy moves. I can assure you when I use one it is a completely foreign object. Yes, I can use one and most times get the job done, but I’m slow and not the most inspiring.
But I’m good at applauding people who use their skills! When you are in your element and giving your best, I’ll be the first one right there to cheer you on! Perhaps that’s why I write. I want to get you thinking how you can be the best version of yourself for God and others. And then, I want to help fuel your fire for the path you are on!
Hot Fries
There is a story of a man who owned a small restaurant in town selling burgers and fries. Whenever they got a phone order, the man would prepare the order and give it to a boy who worked for him. The boy would take it and then run to deliver it.
When asked about why this boy ran full tilt, the explanation was simple: “people like hot fries.” The man’s expertise was making the hot fries, and the boy’s expertise was speed.
In business – and really in life, because I find most principles can be applied either way – it is important to deliver hot fries. Not mediocre service or efforts. Not “not too bad”. But rather excellence.
I heard this story years ago, but it stays with me. Some days I let out an internal cheer when customers feel we’ve really delivered! Hot fries! But then there are others who aren’t amazed with their product – perhaps something went a little wrong or they are just hard to please – and I work to figure out the specific concern so that they can feel they received hot fries.
Adjusting Your Sails
Life is curious, isn’t it? Some people seem like they know exactly what their goals are and where they are headed and it seems like a neat little path. Others know what they think they want and that’s just not the route they are currently on. And then others still don’t have a clue where they are going and just bounce around wherever life takes them. (I’m sure there are many other types, but for the sake of brevity I narrowed it down to these three.)
In talking to a neighbor the other day, I asked if they could do anything besides what they were currently doing, what would it be? They didn’t know and I encouraged them to really consider it. To brainstorm what adjustments or changes they might want to make – and then make them!
Life is far too short for us not to really lean in and enjoy what we do. Adjust your sails so that you can begin using your talents effectively!
Applying What You Know
In response to my question, they asked if I was doing what I wanted to do. Fair question, for sure.
Currently, I’m doing what there is to do. I in no way feel like a martyr or a victim, but rather, though I have hopes and dreams, I try to be my best in the here and now. I have no doubt God directs my steps and He has led me here. But also, I think God plants dreams that He will bring to fruition in His perfect time – and that’s where the hopes and dreams come in!
But in this current season – a season I wholeheartedly feel God has brought me to – I want to apply what I know and be the best version of myself that I can be! I really believe that we can use our talents in any season that God brings us to.
Using Your Talents
And that’s a good question to ask yourself right now – how can I use my talents to the best of my ability in my current circumstances? Sometimes the best way to figure out what you need to be doing is to ponder and search out questions.
Remember as you begin each day that if you seek God, He will direct your steps. Don’t fight Him, don’t resist Him – but at the same time don’t give up on your hopes and dreams! Ask how to lean in to what He is doing. There is no better work than using your talents where He has you, for His glory.
May He bless you with a renewed energy and drive for what He is doing in your life!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2018/06/27/no-more-excuses/