The Bucket List - Pt 6

For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (Matthew 25:14-19 ESV). There is so much we can learn from our reading today. We have titled it “The Parable of the Talents.” I know you recall the whole story. Suffice it to say when the day of reckoning came the servant who was given the one talent and merely returned that which was given to him was punished. The principle Jesus is teaching is that of responsible stewardship. The Apostle Paul says it in plainer language: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). The point is that we should all be using everything God has given us to His glory. I’m convinced that puts another activity on our bucket list. We ought to be intentional about developing some latent talent.

Often when I am asked why I haven’t done more woodworking in my past. Well, one reason is simply time. The other is the investment in tools. Both of those were solved as I reached retirement. I have always dabbled. Now, however, I have much more time and resources to develop this talent. As you can see from the picture, I have some talent in this area. This dining table is 9 feet long, made from hickory, with farmhouse style legs. It was a big project, but one that I was prepared to complete through the years of developing my skills. I have made many other things for my children, grandchildren, and others. The key is in developing and using the latent skill God gave to me. My suggestion for everyone is to find that thing God gave you that is unique to you and invest it in the simple task of doing it. You may need further training and/or tools; just don’t let it sit idle. Take a cooking class. Find out when your local plant nursery is having classes on growing roses and sign up. The local art store has postings for new classes all over town, from beginners to intermediate, and from intermediate to accomplished. Ask the Red Cross about classes for CPR and lifesaving training. There are countless hundreds of opportunities to develop your interest into an activity that will bring you joy and God glory. Don’t wait to do it all… start doing now. It might surprise you how much happiness it can produce in you and those around you.