During a recent meditation session I was thinking about the special talents of people. Some people are gifted with the ability to write, to speak, to motivate, to be conversational, to build and create things, to manage chaos, to calm the atmosphere, to heal and so on. Then my mind wandered to the movie characters of mutants and those with extraordinary powers or abilities. It occurred to me that, just like the movie characters, we all have something that we are good at or that is a special ability compared to others. Sometimes it takes a while for it to blossom, or to be able to see clearly just how we can use what we are good at in service to others, but it is inevitable that our talents will be needed and useful.
“There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born, and how you become most truly alive.” ― Oprah Winfrey
In the book of Ephesians in the Bible (4:7, 8 and 11) it says, “Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. He saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men . . . And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers . . .”
Also, found in I Corinthians 12:4–13 and 28 “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another diverse kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
All of those thoughts collided during this meditation session to remind me that we are called upon at the right time to use the gifts and talents bestowed upon us. Many times we must remain patient until the time comes when our gifts are called upon to provide whatever is needed in a given situation.
Recently my brother shared a story about how our cousin, who is an auto mechanic, helped many family members over the years by working on their cars and charging very little, if anything. While my brother was grateful for this loving gesture, he always wanted to compensate my cousin but was always turned down, as this cousin did it to be loving. One day, my brother who is an IT specialist, got a call from this same cousin who said he was in need of some computer assistance. “Finally,” my brother exclaimed, “after all these years of helping me, the time has come for me to return the favor.” My brother was so excited about being able to “give back in a meaningful way.”
This also reminds me of the kindness of giving and receiving with grace. People in many cultures, when given a personal gift, feel compelled to reciprocate by giving something personal of theirs in return. Kindness inspires kindness.
Perhaps you are fortunate enough to make use of your special gift every day—like teaching, healing, building, creating, entertaining. Whenever you are called upon, however, is the right time. The perfect need being met right when it is needed. Maybe you are a listening ear to a stranger or an interpreter who resolves confusion and puts a mind at ease. Maybe you see the world through a different lens as a photographer, artist or singer. Maybe you help someone who is unconscious and they will never know of your selfless act. Maybe you help a child by paying attention and, as a result, changing the course of their life forever.
All this points to our usefulness, our sense of purpose and our divine gifts that the world needs. You are unique, special and you make a difference, whether you realize it or not.
“No man or woman is an island. To exist just for yourself is meaningless. You can achieve the most satisfaction when you feel related to some greater purpose in life, something greater than yourself.” ― Denis Waitley
