Who writes this stuff?

My photo
I try to keep my priorities in order: Jesus, my Andy, our children, everything else. I homeschool our boys, love to read almost all written words and have been challenged by the military life for 18 years. Right now my faulty human body is demanding a lot of attention. One day at a time, learning as much as possible every day and remembering to look for JOY when other things threaten to overwhelm.

My Blog Title Verse

"For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6 NKJV
The Message translation puts it this way "God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding."


Saturday, March 27, 2010

Talents, not hidden

I found this wonderful quote on this blog, and wanted to share.

"You may think you don't have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.What you create doesn't have to be perfect. Don't let fear of failure discourage you. Don't let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.I believe that as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others—God will encircle you in the arms of His love. Discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace, and fulfillment." - Deiter F. Uchtdorf

I made a tiny little blanket for a baby shower last weekend. My sister Emilee made an adorable quilt, with amazing patchwork, and beautiful quilting. The blanket I made was super simple, and I still had to have her help me, since the fabric I picked up wasn't exactly what I thought it would be.
Obviously, sewing isn't something I am talented in. Emilee is, amazingly so. (Mom actually said, when she saw my blanket... "hon, maybe you should stick to writing, rather then sewing".... just so you know her opinion of WHO should be doing the sewing in the family!)

I can whip up dinner. My kids aren't going to eat junk food for supper. However, they aren't going to eat fine cuisine either. Basic baked chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans - that is what I am good at. Pretty much anything you can imagine, with a healthy spin - add more veggies, some whole wheat, half the butter - you get the idea. That is how I cook. I'm not going to win any awards that way. I suppose that is creative, after a fashion - but it is hard to see it as a talent.

Kelsey and Mary dance. Andy sees a picture in everything around him, and can create it with a touch of his hands.

But I, I don't DO anything.

So I loved this quote. It reminded me that I do do some amazing things. I teach my children to sing, and to build with blocks, and to stand in the sun and raise their arms and simply soak up the glory of creation. I wake at 5:30 in the morning, when my hubby comes home from working a strange shift, yet again, and I listen to him share about his night. It doesn't seem like an art form, but it has definitely had to have time to be perfected...

I will take the "normal opportunities" all around me, embrace them wholeheartedly, and hopefully "create something of beauty". Just by living.

I dare you to do the same.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

you make me sound like a horrible mother.... so I won't remind you about the baby blanket you crocheted for, I think Naomi's baby...no I won't do that... that would be cruel. You are multi-talented (and I do think the way you read IS a talent,you failed to mention that I also said that) I love you dearly...I am as proud of you as I can be....love, mom (who can't even start a blanket without Em or Kels helping me)

Carrie said...

Aw, you are so joyful Bethany! It's okay to have some grief sometimes and you can't help it when all the fact are negative... you've caught yourself just in time though so you can rejoice now!
Oh, and creative is definitely a word I would put with you, just simply for you point of view of most everything!
love you!

autumnesf said...

I need to finish the second part of my post on "gifts"...it is so along these exact lines.

I find it painful to try and figure out my "gifts".

Anonymous said...

Bethany, I have OFTEN felt like such a person who doesn't even come close to being everything everyone else is being in life. I don't work outside the home, I don't have friends that I get out and go do all kinds of things with, my kids have never been the top achievers at anything, I don't feel creativly creative in most anything....except I know I can write. I don't cook so to speak. And the list probably goes on. . .but reading your post reminds me that although there are things I don't do or haven't learned to do. . .there are still things I do do and can be and am in this daily "normal life" we live.
I can encourage my family, my friends, and even strangers. I love to encourage people. I can be a listening ear (as you spoke of) to my family when they have so many things to share with me. I can be an example of what it means to try and live a right life before God. And I can love. . . through the housework I do, the time that I share, and with the love I've been given.
Thank you Bethany for your wonderful posting of reminding us all... that though our talents vary, we are all amazingly wonderful in what we bring and give to those around us. . .whether it be simple or grand. : )
Blessings to you my friend.
Love - Debby Moore

Tricia said...

You have the talent of making those that know you feel loved and valuable.

You have the talent of seeing God in the every day moments.

I know many people who want the talents you have.

You rock!

EmileeHope said...

Betsy! I am glad that you found this quote and feel better because of it, but I am sad you had to find it to feel that way! I would have hoped that you already knew that about yourself!

We all have different talents, but each of us plays an important role in the life we are given. Living our lives the way God leads, and with Joy in our hearts along the way is I think in itself a product of our creativity! If everyone was creative in the same way, then that would mean none of us were really creative at all!

Besides, Emily said she loved the "stroller blanket" you made for her, so your talent extends far beyond your amazing ability to have a mother's love towards everyone you know!

Karen said...

I agree with all the others about your joy and creativity...you overflow with both and spill onto those around you! This was a great post!