Pick one and Do it Well! - October 7
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 131, 132, [133]; PM Psalm 134, 135; 2 Kings 23:4-25; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; Matt. 9:18-26
Yesterday, Anne and I met with a psychologist to review the results of some testing for our daughter. The testing confirmed some of what we expected: she is gifted at math and spatial processing, and she struggles with language and phonetics. This was not a surprise to her parents. I joked with our doctor that it’s a good thing that Bailey wants to be an engineer when she grows up. We all agreed that this plays to her strengths exceptionally well.
And then we joked about our other child who is a very strong reader, and at this point in his life wants to be a professional soccer player. I’m not quite sure I am ready to squash his dreams, but part of being the best version of ourselves is learning to play to our strengths. Some of us are good at math, others reading, and others are fast on the field and are dynamic athletes. Some are capable musicians or artists, and others are exceptionally savvy at emotionally connecting with people and navigating relationships. As we talked through the gifts and challenges of our children, it was a reminder for me that we don’t have to have everything figured out perfectly, nor do we have to be responsible for all things.
A few weeks ago, I gave a tour to the generous donor of a $25k grant to help support our solar panel system. He was visiting two projects that his foundation has helped to bring to life here in Alabama. I asked him his motivation for helping nonprofits install solar arrays and his answer was very helpful to me. “John, I care about climate change, but I can’t fix all the problems of the world. I thought I’ll pick one and make a difference. I can move the needle by focusing entirely on one small segment of the population.” His answer was impressive. This man knows his limits and his capacity to make a difference. Pick something and do it well. We can’t do it all!
In Paul’s first letter to the community in Corinth, he reminds the community of the diversity of spiritual gifts. Some of the people in the community are good at healing, others prophecy, and others discernment. What is implied in that statement is the individuals aren’t good at it all. They have strengths, and while not explicitly stated, they have weaknesses too. Paul’s encouraging the group to play to their strengths.
I find it so easy for us to focus on our weaknesses or to become aware of where others outshine our own selves. Another way of framing that discovery might be to give thanks for helping us to hone our strengths. One of the profound gifts of being in community is the reality that we all collectively share responsibility for the whole body. We don’t have to be responsible as individuals for solving all the problems. Maybe pick one or two and put our energy there.
What is your focus or mission? Where are your strengths or spiritual gifts? Pick one and make a difference!
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: Do you know your own strengths and weaknesses, or better yet your spiritual gifts? Do you focus or spend more time playing to your strengths or compensating for your weaknesses?
Daily Challenge: There are several quick ways of understanding yourself better. Our staff at Saint Stephen’s looks at the Enneagram and the Myers-Brigg Typology. If you have the time, explore one of these. Links are above.