Let's Begin

A past Sunday’s homily, Matthew 25 14-30 speaks of how a rich master entrusted three slaves with money. These slaves were not supervised ,and were given great responsibility with a large sum of money. Through skillful training and investing, two of the slaves were able to have their monies multiply. The third slave was frozen in fear of his great responsibility, and buried his money in the ground.  On the day of accounting, the rich master rewarded the two successful slaves and the third slave was called “wicked and slothful” and punished.

When I reflect on this parable, I think of all the years that I was fearful or lacking in confidence and time, consumed by self- image, to take a risk on publishing my writing. I like the third slave, buried my talent in the ground, and I stood idle with a shovel in my hopeful hand, waiting for the frozen ground to melt, or for my talent to magically produce its own opportunities.

What I’ve learned is that the ground doesn’t melt with hopeful or wishful thinking, and that opportunities don’t always appear magically. You have to courageously dig it up, polish and sharpen your skill in service - all for the Savior. A talent put to work, fills the soul with the undeniable knowing that you are on purpose. For me, I’m learning to put my talents to work and allow God to use it.   Honestly, it’s hard when you publish your work on social media, and you can immediately see if you connected with your readers. I struggle with the need of wanting to be evangelical vs. popular.  It's a fine line drawn by a human.  I do pray not to judge my work to the number of shares or likes, but that my words make its way to whoever needs to read it. 

I sincerely hope that this essay allows you (the one that’s holding the shovel waiting for the ground to thaw, or a golden opportunity to  loudly say “ta-da”) the ability to clamber above my wordiness and be inspired. I know that it’s not easy with all the responsibilities of the world to find time to sharpen and service your talent,  but I pray somehow, someway you’re able to fit it in.   I pray that you start today, and you see the Lord, face to face, your two eyes into His two eyes, (yes two and two) and adaciously say “Let’s Begin.”  

The world is waiting and God is counting on it.