As I grow older, I notice more and more that we all have strengths and weaknesses. My sister is getting married in May, and the role of maid-of-honor comes with many tasks to complete and things I have to plan. I always had an inkling that this wasn’t my strong suit, but I am now learning just how much that is the case.
It is hard not to take this as a personal failing. Some people are so good at the little details that go into planning trips and parties and know just how to wrangle the troops together to get things done in a way that is efficient and productive. And in our hustle-and-bustle world, those traits are often revered. But that is just not me. I am much happier working behind the scenes—gathering decorations and coming up with verbiage and creative signage.
This is becoming more apparent in my professional life, as well. I would much rather take notes on a meeting, than present information to a group. It is why I am a writer and an editor, rather than a teacher or an event planner.
That being said, all different kinds of people are required to get things done and make the world turn. There is a balance needed in all things. We need creative thinkers just as much as we need he analytical thinkers. As James 1:17 says, “every perfect gift is from above.”
We all make up the Body of Christ with all our multitude of gifts and talents. “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10-11). As long as we are using our talents for good and for the greater glory of God, we can’t go wrong!
One of the great reliefs of getting older, for me, is that now I have the vocabulary and self-awareness to know where my strengths and weaknesses lie and can actively seek out situations in which I can capitalize on my strengths.
When we are younger, we don’t always have the authority to be able to choose those situations. I have found that this knowledge has made a big difference in the way I live my life as an adult. It has taken years of experience to learn where my appropriate boundaries are and what situations it is necessary and healthy to push myself.
God instructs us not to hide our talents from the world but instead to share them and use them to serve others. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). I have enjoyed writing this column because I do feel like I am letting my light shine. I love hearing from readers, and when they can find some wisdom from and connection to something I’ve written, it makes me feel like I am doing something good.
As Lent approaches, perhaps we can offer our gifts and talents to the Lord. Whether that be offering to help plan a fundraiser at a local parish, offering to take notes at the next youth group meeting, or lifting our voice in song at Mass. How can we serve our community with our God-given talents, and how can we give thanks to the one who bestowed them upon us?