NOVEMBER 16, Romans 12:11

Plink! Plink! Plink! One by one, Tabby slowly played out the notes of the music for her piano recital. “This is so hard, I’m not sure I’ll ever be good enough to play in front of a bunch of people!” Tabby struggled on for a few minutes. Suddenly, she closed the music book, tossed it on the floor, and began to play a song from memory. This is much more fun, she told herself.

Later that day, Tabby helped her mother plant seeds in the flower garden. “You always have such pretty flowers, Mom,” said Tabby. “Grandma says you have a green thumb - whatever that means.”

Mom laughed. “She means I have a talent for growing things,” she replied. “That may be true, but I have to do a lot of work, too. Thomas Edison, the great inventor, once said, ‘Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.’ I think he’s right.”

“You do work hard in the yard,” agreed Tabby. She grinned. “What’s worse,” she added teasingly, “is that you make me work hard, too. I don’t mind gardening, but I don’t have a green thumb like you do.” “Which activity do you like best of all?” asked Mom. “What’s your favourite thing to do?”

“Oh… let’s see… play the piano,” decided Tabby. Then she frowned. “But I’m already tired of practicing my recital piece,” she added, “and I just got it. I wish I didn’t have to practice so much.”

“So I guess music is your ‘green thumb’ area,” said Mom. “You definitely have a talent for playing the piano. But if you want to develop that into something worthwhile, you’ll have to work hard at it - just like I have to work hard at gardening even though I have a ‘green thumb.’ God wants us to use our talents for Him, and He deserves the very best we can do. That takes work.”

“I guess so,” agreed Tabby. After a moment, she grinned, “But I don’t think it’s fair,” she added. “I can help you in the garden, but you can’t help me play the piano.” “That’s true,” said Mom, “but I’ll tell you what. When we’re done here, I’ll use another of my talents while you practise the recital piece. I’ll work on your new outfit. How’s that?” Smiling, Tabby agreed.

Thought: What talents has God given you? Use your talents to serve Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for the reminder that there are many ways that I can serve You. May I start by being a nice and kind person, and use whatever talent You have given me to serve people around me! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.