The Gift of Talents

When I stand before God at the end of my life,
I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, 

and I could say,

'I used everything you gave me'. 

Erma Bombeck

Talents

by Patricia A Pitterle

My book room

is filled with books.

Many are like

old and well worn

friends, that I have

visited with

and enjoyed

throughout my childhood.

Each one

testifying of hands

which have lovingly

picked them up,

to be read again

and again.

Some are more recently read

and their pages

have been creased

only once or twice.

Still others

are used simply

as points of reference.

And there are yet a few

whose covers still creak

when they are opened

for they haven't been used at all.

their lessons and enjoyments

are still hidden

from my view.

Each person

is a little

like my book room

and the books within

are individual talents.

Some are old and well worn

testifying of much use.

They have brought joy

to those around us.

Some are more recently developed

and have only been used

a few times

we have not yet found confidence

 in our ability to use them.

Others are used

simply as a point of reference,

Sitting on the shelf

of our existence.

We look for them

in ways

few and far between,

their depths are still,

as yet, unexplored.

Still others

have never been used at all

the benefits and knowledge

to be found in them

are still hidden from view.

Each one of us

are just a little

like a book room.

Within the pages of our lives

are written

the gifts that we have been given.

Presents from Him who lives above.

Those gifts are talents

developed,

slightly used,

unexplored,

and hidden.

What are you doing

to find them within yourself today?