What are those gifts that seem to come second nature to you, that you maybe shove aside as insignificant? Remember David? The shepherd that took down the giant Goliath? To David, using his slingshot as a weapon was just part of his unglamourous job as a shepherd. Yet this little skill was used to bring down a giant, and earned him honor among kings!
The giant that David faced was mocking his Country and his God. This upset David in a primal way. The little kid-shepherd took a stand, with the skills that he had. Grown men, seasoned soldiers even, cowered in fear at the feet of the giant. David stood, and fought for the destiny of his people, his Land, and his faith.
I think we need to be a little more primal in our lives and our reactions. So much of life we go through politically correct and numbed down that we pass up opportunities to shine, to fight for what we believe, and make a difference with our skills and passion. Make a little noise, be yourself, and take joy in your strengths. Even if they seem unglamourous at the moment, you have this life to use them for a purpose. Offer help when you see a need, even if it’s something little. Stop and injustice when you can, before it escalates into an ugly giant. Don’t waste your precious time on things that don’t matter.
This year, I’m focusing on using those talents, and touching the lives of those in my world. Right now I’m working full-time and then doing my cognitive training at night. This makes for 12 hours days, and weekend hours. At the end of the day my mind tells me I should be exhausted, but I’m discovering this magical feeling of excitement that tells me I’m right where I need to be. Offering these students a good dose of self-confidence and skills that will change their life is exhilarating! It’s so hard, and tears are shed, but when they look up and I see that it clicks in their head, and their eyes sparkle with hope, all the late nights and the long hours are so worth it!
So often, I haven't spoken up or done anything because I've felt small and insignificant. I've felt worthless and walked over. I've felt like my small voice, my small thoughts, my wants, my hopes, and my dreams were somehow inferior. I haven't felt strong enough, smart enough, brave enough, or skilled enough to do the things I want. Paralizing right? To focus on that makes me freeze in my tracks with self loathing and doubt. I hate being vulnerable to failure.
It's liberating to take a look at the things we do have to offer!
Shonlock via Twitter: “David would have been defeated by Goliath had he used the armor. But he wasn’t. He used what God gave him 2 use. So use what God has given you.”
What’s your skill? Making music, speaking, writing, being a friend, designing web sites, teaching, feeding people, training dogs. . . training brains? :) You have a skill right now. I guarentee there is something in your life that you are better at then most people. Take that skill, maximize it, look it from a different viewpoint and run with it!
Go further!
Here are some people/info that has inspired me lately:
Live Your Legend - Scott Dinsmore Practical advice and ispritation to get you where you want to be in life. Learn what you are passionate about and how to use your passions.
Terri Savelle Foy Character shaping tools for being the best you that you can be. Guidance on putting the past behind and getting prepared for the future.
Carlos Whittaker / Ragamuffin Soul Fresh outlook on life, God, and the people we share the planet with. This guy makes me take a good hard look at myself.
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