Devotion 

The Gift of Talents

Frances Taylor 

We all know this parable. The man gives each of his servants goods "according to his ability" and expects them to do something with them. The first two servants increase the value of the property, but the third buries his and does nothing with it. God gives each of us gifts according to our abilities and expects that we will use them, work with them and increase them. For many years, children born with Down 's syndrome were put into institutions because they were thought incapable of learning. Today, we see children and adults with this condition working, acting, in relationships – doing many of the things we take for granted.

A family I know has a daughter with Down's syndrome who is now in her fifties. When she was born, her parents were advised to put her in an institution, but they refused. They worked with her so that she learned to read, to use money, so that she was able to get a job as well as to participate in community activities. One the other hand, people with intelligence often use it for a life of crime rather than a life serving the community. There are others who have gifts that they might not value and so don't develop them.

Each of us has gifts given to us by God – and he didn't give us anything we couldn't use! People think that gifts have to be things like artistic or musical talents, but patience is a gift; the ability to explain a problem is a gift. These might lead to a vocation as a teacher, or a mechanic. Some are skilled with their hands and others with their minds. Curiosity is the gift of the scientist, as well as perseverance. We need to think outside the box when we think about our gifts and once we figure it out, use them wisely because we all will be called to account one day.

Prayer 

Dear God, You have given us gifts for our good and the good of others. Help us to identify them so that we might use them to your benefit. Amen.