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| image via lds.org |
Once we found that thing, we focused on it until we wanted to try something else or circumstances changed, requiring us to go on an alternate adventure: to be or not to be.
For some of us, we found that one talent and persevered through all stages of life—youth, marriage, children, grandchildren and retirement. For others of us, me included, I have had many adventures of finding out what my talents are.
As a young girl I loved to play the piano. My teacher thought I was doing so well that he wanted me to practice for two hours every day! I don’t know about you, but as an eight year old that was torture! I was playing an advanced musical arrangement at the time. Looking back, that was quite an accomplishment and I did have a talent worth pursuing.
My piano teacher changed his schedule and I was unable to continue with my lessons. After a time, I took lessons from my grandmother. It was a special opportunity to learn from her because she didn't read music. She played by ear. We used to ask her to play a song and she'd reply, "Hum a few bars." Then she'd play the whole song! Even though she didn't read music, she composed and published a song about a soldier coming home at the end of World War II. We loved to sit and listen to her play on her organ and her baby grand piano.
Over the years, I've used my talents in music (I went on to play the flute, guitar, recorder and sing in the high school women’s choir) cooking, sewing, crochet, art, writing and optimism to teach and play daily with my five children.
Your talents may include photography, public speaking, archery, being very athletic, a good listener, peacemaker, quilter, dancer, composer, or an organizer. There are so many more that I could add to this list. Each of us, no matter our age, has been blessed with talents. We are unique and different individuals but we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. He will help us develop the talents He has given us when we have the desire, work at it consistently and share our talents with others.
Spiritual Talents and Gifts
We must also strive to develop our spiritual talents. God has given us many gifts of the spirit to help us, our families, and others in our journey here on earth. As we share them with others He will bless us and increase our abilities in all areas of our lives.
“And all these gifts come from god, for the benefit of the children of God.” D&C 46:26
Spiritual gifts include knowing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, believing the testimony of others, wisdom, knowledge, faith to be healed, faith to heal, working of miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, speaking with tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
I encourage all of you to continue exploring and going on new adventures that will help you discover what you’re to be or not to be! Take them off the shelf. Dust them off. Re-learn them if necessary. Develop them more fully. Share them with others. Enjoy them. Thank God for them.
May you be inspired to continue to be all that our Heavenly Father knows you can be by developing your talents and spiritual gifts to their fullest.
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