Have you ever seen those artists that seem to be able to do EVERYTHING? Me either! Now there are artists that have found success in multiple disciplines, but it is impossible for one artist to master everything. I have students that often get frustrated when some projects cause them more struggle than others. They feel defeated. They feel confused. They were able to be so successful in drawing/painting, but struggle with clay/sculpture. Some conclude they must not be a "good" artist because of this. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Though I believe weaknesses are an opportunity for growth, I also believe that we need to embrace our strengths and pursue them wholeheartedly. If you try to do everything, you quickly find you are not really great at anything. I'm going to be more effective painting/drawing to share my heart & vision than if I walked into metal studio and try to share those same ideas through a medium I'm not gifted in or trained to do.
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
1 Corinthians 12: 17-19
God has wired each of us with gifts, talents, and abilities. Knowing our strengths & weaknesses will allow us to serve & minister in the most effective way. I once went to church with a man who truly looked up to the pastor. He wanted to be just like him. He began signing up for everything he could within the church, including the praise team. If the pastor was on the praise team...then he would be as well. Unfortunately, he was tone deaf. I also found him to be very unhappy. Instead of finding that area where he could pour his heart & soul into....he was divided. He was doing things he really was not designed to do. Now we can all help out in areas outside our "gifting" (if someone needs you to push a broom...pick it up and do it!), but knowing what we were designed to do will allow us to serve with more passion and purpose. We will not only see ourselves grow when we do this, but the impact that we are having on those around us & those we serve.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, Let me know who You created me to be.
Lord, allow me to use the gifts & talents you've placed in me for Your glory and honor.
Allow me to serve with all that I am.
May I find joy in being exactly who You created me to be.
AMEN
Always thoughtful and inspirational. Thank you!
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