Failures can lead you to find your true talent
"So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that this pleasure is from the hand of God."
- Ecclesiastes 2:24 (NLT)
My mother, as well as each of my sisters had the knack for sewing. So I thought it was only natural that I should try my hand at the craft. I received an old sewing machine from my mother; then while my infant took his daily nap, I spent my free time trying to follow in my elders' footsteps.
After many frustrating encounters with tangled up bobbins and crooked seams, I decided to get an up-to-date, fancier machine to help me along in my journey. I searched the catalogs and watched for sales on portable zigzag sewing machines. Before long I was the proud owner of one, and ready to continue my quest as a seamstress.
I hadn't had my new machine for long when one day, as I went to set it up on the table for my usual practice session, I realized it was missing. I figured someone must have moved it.
I frantically searched every nook and cranny in the house. But my harried hunt left me empty-handed. After discussing the incident with my family, we realized someone had stolen my brand new machine. (That is another story).
After I got over the shock and dismay that my machine was gone, I pondered if sewing really was a gift I possessed. I concluded I would admire the talent in others, and find the perfect fit for me.
A few years later I went to nursing school. I took a step of faith and discovered a gift of healing.
Sometimes we waste time, money and energy trying to do things for which we don't possess the talent.
"If only I could do that!" we say to ourselves. Then after giving it our best try, we find we're not cut out for it.
We all have strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes we need to fail at something in order to realize it's not for us. Other indicators of finding our gifts is to look at the things we love to do that give us a sense of fulfillment, or by examining the things others notice we are good at.
Everybody is good at something. We need to ask God for the wisdom to help us discover our own unique strengths and abilities. Then we can get creative at the various ways to enjoy life as we use our God-given talents.
• Annettee Budzban is an inspirational author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available to speak at church groups, conferences or civic organizations. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.