Talent
by Lance D. Smith
There are many talented people in the world. But for various reasons, many of us have yet to realize or fully express our talent.
Grand or not, everyone has a talent. But many hide or withhold their talents, keeping them secret and close to themselves.
Many people misunderstand and don’t fully realize the real essence of talent.
For example, a ball player’s talent is fully expressed when contributed to a team. But if the player only uses his talent to define him or herself better than the rest, then their talent will only take them so far, a place that is usually lonely, isolated, and unfulfilling. A ball player’s, or anyone else’s talent becomes fully realized when they serve others, a team, and not just themselves.
One thing I have learned about talented people is that they don’t look to others to define their talent. Their talent is “not about them.” In other words, they don’t use their talent to create a superiority complex to make them anymore special than the next person.
Actually these talented people are just the opposite. They are usually humble and see their talent as something was given to them and to be used as a service for others and their talents are meant to be shared, not hoarded. They feel they are not any different from the rest of world and we all could do what they do, only if we tried.
How do you know if you are talented at something? The first indication is time flies while you are doing. You enjoy the intricate details and it feels like fun even if it is hard work! For example, a talented writer will agonize over a word or sentence. Or a singer will sing a line trying many different melodies to find its perfect expression. They love the work and their love hones their skills.
True talent is expressed through the sheer joy of doing it, not praise, recognition, or validation. Ethel loves cooking. Even as a small girl, she loved making her daddy sandwiches and packing his lunch sack. It fulfilled her with a sense of contribution to the household.
She grew up, became a nurse but still deeply enjoys preparing meals for family, friends, and church events.
She built a public demand for her cooking and her kitchen grew into a catering business. She felt a little guilty at first about being paid for doing something she loved so much. But the cost of ingredients eventually justified it to her. Her catering business soon grew so much she needed more than her home kitchen. But she had to make sacrifices and quit her day job if she were to open a restaurant. She eventually opened a bistro that has become very successful. Life was difficult for awhile, but also very fulfilling and rewarding. Ethel put in the time because she loved what cooking did for her soul. It was never for money, fame, or recognition.
This is an example of developing real talent. Food, in this example, shows how talent offers a way to make “our” difference in the world through serving others.
When you express your talents you create joy and fulfillment in yourself and for others. You see, happiness comes through you, not to you.
Unfortunately many people don’t express their talents or who they fully are. Their talent may be they are able to easily make someone smile, or laugh, or feel totally understood.
Don’t be discouraged, even if you think others are more talented at what you do. You have a specific place in this world and no one else is you. No one can give or serve in the unique way you can.
Talent is
beautiful in that, as we fill the needs of others as we also fulfill our own
needs.
The person born with a talent they are meant to use
will find their greatest happiness in using it. Goethe
Enjoy Life,
Lance