Don't Hide Your Talents

I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. (Matthew 25:25 NKJV)

I have so many wonderful memories from Daniel and Tracy's wedding!  What a joy it was, but it was also very emotional to finally let go of that last little bit that was my little boy and let him go fully into manhood.  I'm very proud of who he is.

That being said, one of my favorite parts of the day was at the reception when the toasts were being given.  When the d.j. asked if anyone else wanted the microphone, Daniel's 4-year-old daughter, Cecelia, walked straight up to the table, grabbed the mike, took center stage and proceded to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."  She sang loudly and clearly and without the slightest hesitation in her voice.  It made this grandma's already gooshy heart melt.

Cecelia is the model of confidence.  She knows what she can do, and if she can't do it, she knows that with a little practice and a little help from someone who knows how, she will be able to do it soon.  I can't help but watch her as she learns and grows and the way she tackles new things and takes joy in the things that she can already do... and know that that is how God wants us to live our lives.

Too often we live in fear of messing up or looking dumb.  When we are presented with a new challenge, we would often rather  pretend we already know what we are doing rather than ask someone with experience to help.  And the things we already know how to do... if we aren't among the best at doing it, we would rather hide our talent away than use it to the best of our own unique abilities.

Cecelia is a good singer, but I've heard pleanty of 4-year-olds that could do it with more polish and dazzle.  But Cecelia gave us the gift of her uniqueness and I wouldn't have wanted a song from any other 4-year-old at that moment.  When we give of ourselves, we are giving more than just a talent or gift.  We are giving love.  We are giving a moment to bring joy to others.  It doesn't matter if we are not award winnners or in the top 10 percent of what we do.  What matters is the giving and being confident that God has given us just what we need to do just what we should be doing.

Cecelia gets that at this tender age... I hope she never loses it and I hope I can be more like her in that way.

Father,
Thank you for an amazing weekend with friends and family and new family.  What a great gift you have given us in marriage.  Help us to be more confident in using our gifts and talents to bring joy to others.  Amen.

Joys:  A new daughter!; Cecelia's gift; Great time with Kevin, Chelsea and Emma yesterday