It had always mystified Harry that protocol seemed to dictate that a person was allowed only one area of success--if that. The idea that a man might pursue a variety of disparate interests seemed to intimidate those who held the purse strings. Afterall, no one had ever been able to explain why God would give a person multiple and diverse talents and then not be troubled when the person chose one of those God-given talents and disregarded the rest.This passage from a recent romance gave me pause, because I am one of those people with "multiple and diverse talents"--and interests for that matter. I've been watching the Olympics and when I observe others with one outstanding gift, I wish I were more focused. Measuring success when many activities fill your time and pull you in different directions is a challenge.
An Unexpected Suitor by Anna Schmidt, Chapter 8, p.111
How do we define success? Synonyms might be mastery, pinnacle, wealth, reaching hundreds, single focus, superiority, driven, accolades, awards, balance, inner peace.
How does God define success? Service, love, acceptance, respect, balance and inner peace? Shorter list, different approach to life.
We all have multiple and diverse talents, in varying amounts, and we do have a choice as to which one(s) we choose and which we disregard.
What about your talents? Have you chosen to disregard some in favor of others? How was your choice influenced? Do you think that you might want to realign some of those choices, bring some of those hidden talents to light?
What's God got to do with it?
Amen!
ReplyDeleteI've finally reached a place of peace where I recognized that list you mentioned was God's definition. The world has a much more glittery and STRESSFUL definition. And what is gained, truly? Nothing lasting.
The All is lasting and brings peace because he is peace. That should be our highest goal. And curious just how attainable it is, isn't it? You don't have to reach very far.
Blessings,
Angel