Monday, November 17, 2008

Talent and Risk


I was sitting in church on Sunday and listening intently to the readings, specifically the parable about the master who entrusted his servants with varying amounts of "talents" while he was away.

You probably know the story or have heard of it before. One gets five and invests it to make ten, another gets two and makes two more. But the last servant hides the one talent he is given and is punished for not taking a risk with it.

I sometimes get lost in these parables, but this one went right to my core. Of course "talent" in the reading is a monetary term, but it also works with this thing we associate with our creativity.

I've only been acknowledging myself as an artist for about four years, but I've always created, I've always had a knack for making beautiful things. Yes, I've always had talent, but I never risked it for anything.

I don't want to get in trouble for not taking a risk, so I better get busy!

If you're out there and I'm not talking to myself, tell me when you first recognized you had talent and what kind of risks you have taken for it. I look forward to reading your comments.

4 comments:

R and R said...

Interesting fish game. I put my cursor over the water and the fish were attracted to it. I thought how cool is that? The fish are attracted to my cursor. I have new little friends. It must have been a nervous reaction to double click mouse because I was perfectly content to let the little fish follow the cursor -- because they like me. When I double clicked my mouse, I discovered that I left virtual fish food. So, I tried to fool them by double clicking all over the place. I soon discovered that my friends didn't care were my cursor was until there was no more food... and that sucked. It's too much like real life.

pattilee said...

Wow! Sometimes I had to be hit over the head often to realize that I actually had to change my course. After two solid years of people asking me how long I had been teaching, I finally had to admit to myself that, perhaps, this was my "calling;" the message God was sending through so many who knew me well. I risked fear of failure, loss of friends, loss of time with my family. I gained infinitely more. I gained more friends who, although we don't see each other as often, are dearer to me, new friendships were gained, strength within my family increased, and I gained assurance in myself as I conquered each fear.

Friends led me to the bridge, but I had to cross it alone. In the end, gaining my teaching certificate was worth every rish taken. I am so blessed!

EmandaJ said...

You go Patti! I'm so proud of you. Teaching IS a calling and you're very gifted.

TesoriTrovati said...

That is a super complement to what I wrote (and much more succinctly than I ever could!). The fact is that there are people who hide behind the fear of letting their talent grow and multiply. Sometimes they bury that talent deep within them and lack the confidence to set it free even when it comes at great risk. Thank you for sharing this post with me, Emanda. I love to come and read your blog too.
Enjoy the day!
Erin