Back in 2008, Disney released the movie Tinkerbell. So I took my daughter to see it.
The story begins when Tinkerbell learns that her talent is to be one of the tinkers, the fairies who make and fix things. But she has other ideas for what her talent should be. She really wants to be a nature talent fairy, one who brings spring to the mainland. So Tinkerbell sets out to prove to everyone that she has the necessary nature talents.
While trying to convince herself and the others of these talents she does not have, she actually destroys all of the preparations for spring. It is only after this when she finally realizes the importance of a tinker.
She redeems herself by inventing machines that quicken the process of decorating flowers, ladybugs, etc. This allows the other fairies to get back on schedule, thus saving the arrival of spring.
I hate to say it but this story was very powerful to me. It really made me think. Back then, I was feeling a bit like Tinkerbell.
You see, I am a financial person. I have an undergraduate degree in accounting, a masters degree in business administration, am a certified public accountant and spent my career in the financial sector of corporate America.
I never wanted to be seen as the stereotypical dorky accountant. In fact, I made a point of making sure everyone knew there was more to me than just “counting beans”, so to speak.
After I “retired” to be a stay at home mom, I remember thinking I did not EVER want to get back into accounting or finance again. I wanted to do things that were more fun. Play-dates and tea parties were just wonderful, thank you very much!
I remember someone from my church calling to ask me if I would do some financial analyses for the church. He started the conversation with something like this, “Since you love and have a passion for numbers….”. I quickly told him I neither loved nor had a passion for numbers. I actually hated working in that capacity.
I mean, why on earth didn’t anyone ever call and ask me to volunteer for something fun? Maybe I could help market a new sermon series? Or perhaps look at redecorating the sanctuary? Or maybe plan a congregational picnic? But they wanted me to analyze some numbers!
Thankfully, I have grown up a bit since then. And I have studied the bible more. So the fact that I am admitting that I found this “ah-hah” moment in a movie theater watching Tinkerbell rather than seeking it in the Word of God is quite humbling. Quite funny actually!
Anyway, back to the point. I had basically spent my entire adult life denying my talent and not enjoying it. And worse, I denied others of it.
I mean someone called from my church needing financial help. This was the perfect opportunity- to use my skills and experience and talents specifically for God’s kingdom- and I declined the opportunity.
Thankfully, we have a gracious and loving and patient God!
So what does the bible have to say about our gifts and talents? Well, here are just a few examples that I found:
1 Peter 4:10
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
Romans 12:6
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”
1 Cor. 12: 4
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. “
To me, it is pretty clear. God gave us all different gifts. He handpicked them for us and they are to be used to serve others. And ultimately, to serve Him.
Last year, I was asked to do some financial consulting for my daughter’s school. Instead of wishing they had asked me to plan a luncheon, I realized that God had given me a gift that I could use to help the school. I joyfully accepted the position.
Later, I was asked to serve as the Treasurer for the Parent Association of the school. Again, I joyfully accepted.
Since realizing my financial skills are a gift from God, I find myself loving the work! I realize I actually do “love and have a passion for numbers.”
Perhaps it is the environment or the people that I am working with. The school is a Christian school and the administration is focused on serving God.
Or perhaps it was just that I surrendered to God’s plan for me instead of insisting of my own.
Isaiah 29:16
“You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it,” He did not make me”? Can the pot say of the potter, “He knows nothing”?
He created us all with certain talents and abilities. And we are called to trust him. We are called to use those talents and abilities to further his kingdom…to serve others.
Have you ever noticed that you are also blessed when you bless others?
So all of those years in public accounting where I worked ridiculous hours and ended up divorced…. All of those years working in a field that I loathed …getting my MBA in the evenings while I worked and traveled during the day… All of that developed this gift that God bestowed on me.
Though this development was tough, I am so thankful for it. My education and experience in analyzing numbers has turned out to be a tremendous blessing. I am so much better able to analyze my daughter’s blood sugars and insulin regime. Without my gift, her diabetes would not be managed as well.
So what is your talent? Your gift from God? What do you enjoy doing? Or what are you really good at?
Are you using your talents and gifts to serve others? Or are you spending lots of time and energy trying to prove you have other talents and were made for other things?
If you try to be who you are not, it is likely that you will just end up messing things up for everyone--- like Tinkerbell who destroyed all of the preparations for spring.
But if you embrace who you are- and the importance and significance of who you are- you are likely to see how your little piece fits into His puzzle.
Trust him. He knows what He is doing. He shaped you and made you exactly the way you should be. Just like a potter shapes the clay.
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