Starbucks launched its Christmas TV ad two days back. When I saw it, I almost fell out of my seat. What! Christmas already! It’s a signal that another 365 days of 2007 will soon come to an end. How have I used the time? Did I put it to good use or did I waste it away? There are many things in life that we can reclaim, but time once lost is like rice turned into porridge. Once gone, there is no turning back to redeem the twenty four hours of each day of 2007.
This reminds me of the parable of the talents in which the master gave five talents to one, two talents to another and one talent to the last, all in proportion to their ‘talents’ or ‘abilities.’ The Bible tells us that the first two doubled their talents but the last one ‘buried’ his talent. The act of the last person, incurred the master’s wrath so much so that he punished him by taking away his talent and giving it to the one who already had ten talents.
Parables in the Bible are stories that carry life lessons. This one is no different. Gifts and talents and I’m using the terms interchangeably here need to be honed. We’ve heard the saying ‘practice makes perfect.’ The singer who exercises his vocal chords and practices on his song repertoire daily is likely to perform better than one who slacks in practice. The writer who keeps on writing and writing and writing will soon find it easier to work his craft than one who waits for inspiration to seize him. The student who works on his mathematical problems will soon figure out how to arrive at the solutions.
Often times, we hear someone say, “But I have no talent.” This is not true. We all have talents. God is fair. He gives us gifts according to our abilities. I know of a lady who served food in church and learnt enough to set up a home food catering business that financed her children’s education abroad.
Our gifts need not be in high profile. Acknowledging someone with a warm smile, greeting a senior citizen, giving directions to a tourist are acts that make the day for its recipients. Keep on serving with whatever talents we have at hand and see our gifts multiply with time.
Lord Jesus- You who are the Giver of good gifts
Show us how to appreciate our gifts
Help us to use them to spread your love and goodness
When weariness takes over, grant us the discipline to persevere
For your kingdom sake
Amen
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