As I sat in church watching a young man named Kyle play the guitar, my mind couldn’t help but wander.
Years ago, when I homeschooled my children, we read Billy Sunday’s biography. It was a FAVORITE! Unfortunately, I lost track of that great book and I’m guessing it was probably passed along to a friend…
What impacted me so much in the story, was the lack of talent that Billy Sunday had. Let me explain….In the late 1800’s Billy played professional baseball for the Chicago White Stockings – so, obviously he hadsome talent. But his talent wasn’t in playing baseball; it was in his speed. You see, Billy wasn’t much of a hitter – his first 13 times at bat he struck out! Billy Sunday was a champion sprinter. Nonetheless, he learned to pick his pitches very carefully – strategically choosing which balls to swing at, so that each time that he was up to bat, Billy would be walked. If he could get on base, Billy was likely to steal bases and progress the game like no other player could!
One year between seasons, Billy grew tired of not being able to hit the baseball. He determined to practice and practice until he mastered the art of hitting the baseball, instead of relying on “walks” to get him to base.
A great influence in Billy Sunday’s life was his grandfather. Billy lost his father when he was young and his grandfather was the most influential father figure he knew. During his formidable years, Billy’s grandfather would tell him:
“Billy, it’s not how much talent you have, but what you do with the talent you have.” (Or something close to that, but that’s what I remember!)
Billy Sunday recounted his grandfather’s wisdom that during that off season. He developed the little talent he had to hit the baseball, and became a very good hitter. He amazed everyone!
Do you remember the young man, Kyle, at the beginning of this post? He, too, reminded me that it’s not about the talent you have, but what you do with it.
That’s why Kyle ministers to me in such a great way. He is a reminder to me that it merely takes some talent to develop greatness. Today, Kyle is a fantastic, gifted singer, songwriter and musician. But when he started singing a few years ago, his voice would crack and he’d miss a note here and there. I don’t know what Kyle thought of his abilities at that time, but let’s just say they weren’t American Idol material! And through the years, I’ve seen his drive, ambition, and perseverance bring him to where he is today – an amazing musician and singer.
I’ve heard a handful of people in the last week questioning their talent. Questioning their call. Questioning their impact. If this is you, I’d encourage you to:
Keep your eye on the ball.
What are you excited about doing? Playing piano? Writing? Teaching? Starting a business?
Develop what talent you have and do it! Do what you are excited about!! Invest in those areas that you’re passionate about. Don’t worry about others and their success.
Life is short, my friend! Enjoy what you have and develop it! Be the best “YOU” that you can!
Thanks for TrekkingThru another week with me!
Be blessed!!!
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Laurie says
What wonderful advice! Kind of like the old 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration saying. As a runner, I love it!
Char says
That’s a perfect analogy Laurie!!
Joanne Viola says
Wonderfully encouraging. May we each develop in the area where God has called us and placed us. He knows what He is doing with our lives! Blessings to you today, Char!
Char says
Amen! Thanks for stopping by Joanne! Have a great week..
Tammy Kennington says
Thank you for this encouraging post, Char! It blessed me and was something I needed to be reminded of today.
Char says
So glad you were encouraged Tammy!
Crystal Twaddell says
You are such an encourager! I have one in my life also who ministers to me through his heart for praise also, and I remember his long hours of practice as a young teen and his tenacity to develop what he knew God was calling him to. Now that young boy is a man who draws thousands to the foot of the cross every week, and I am in awe of how God plants and sows. I love your quote that it only takes some talent to develop greatness. A heart of faithfulness, humility and passion is the stuff that makes greatness.
Char says
You know…it’s those “less talented” people that really minister to me… I so admire their courage to step out into whatever they are interested in doing. And, it’s exciting to see the metamorphosis as they develop their talent! Thanks for sharing your example Crystal!
Michele Morin says
Such great encouragement!
We always told our sons that whatever gift or ability they had, no matter how big or small, it was something that God could use if they offered it to Him.
Char says
That’s wise advice Michele!! Like the boy’s lunch of 2 fish and 5 loaves in the bible…. God can do wonders!
Rosie Wandell says
Thank you Char!!! I was so enlightened by this article. This couldn’t be any more true. GOD gifts us all with many gifts. We hear some times about an amazing story of someone doing amazing things. Other times we may know someone who is so especially talented and has never been recognized. JUST because someone with the most amazing talents is not recognized is probably more of the gift that GOD gave then others. How you use your gift is what GOD and others love to see. Being humble about it is the key. To all the light shiners out there….just know GOD is watching and praising you!!!✌
-Rosie Wandell, Wellington FL
Char says
One of the biggest challenges is when you’re working hard and no one notices. It really tests our hearts. But those are the times when God is developing more than just our talents…Thanks for that encouragement Rosie! You are spot on!
Marva | SunSparkleShine says
That’s such great advice, Char. Recently, I’ve been encouraged to look at what’s in my hand. To use what God has given me and start with that to glorify Him. He will do the rest.
Thanks for being such a gracious host here at TrekkingThru.
Blessings to you.
Char says
We really do have so much to work with! It’s fun to see what God can do with just a little if we dedicate ourselves. Thanks for being a part of my Tuesdays Marva!
Lisa notes says
This is so encouraging, Char. We don’t have to the very best in the world’s eyes to be enough. “Enjoy what you have and develop it! Be the best “YOU” that you can!” Great lesson!
Char says
It definitely requires staying focused on our personal goal! A good lesson for all of us!
Rebecca Jones says
I think when we give it to Him, He multiplies it. I remember singing once behind a little old lady who mispronounced the words, I was young but i thought someone should tell her. As I grew up I realized, some people just don’t to wisdom and correction. I guess I have been one of them at times. Singing wasn’t something I thought was a gift, but now i believe it is, though I’m a writer first. Just whatever He gets glory from.
Char says
Even what seems to be the smallest offering to us.. can be huge for someone else- especially when God blesses it!
Patrick Weseman says
That is something I have learned over the years is that you need to develop what you have and go from there. Thanks for the wonderful story and I have read about Billy Sunday.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Char says
You too Patrick!!
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting! My offerings this week include an American Flag Rice Krispy Treat, a delicious Strawberry Poke Cake and. Patriotic Brownie in a Pretzel Crust with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. As always you are invited to my own parties! (Latest are shown on my home page). See you there.
Char says
YUM!!! I’m checking out the rice krispy treat!!!!
Sue Donaldson says
Thanks for this needed kick in the pants – lately, life is too short for sure and I’m motivated to keep at it. Did I mention I pulled my calf muscle running to first base in whiffle ball a few weeks ago? A common injury I was told – too fast, too soon. I was just thrilled I hit the ball – but then had to speak in 20 min… I leaned heavily on God and the podium and only stopped limping a week ago. Not my talent nor skill, running or whiffle ball! Great post, as always, Char
Char says
Oh Sue!!!! I don’t know how you did it…speaking after pulling a muscle. God’s strength for sure!! Wow, how are you today? My husband did that years ago and the recovery was long….. 🙁 Hope yours isn’t.. Praying for you friend!
Lauren Sparks says
Thanks for the encouragement to keep writing! Well timed.
Char says
YAY!!! Write on Lauren!!!
Donna Reidland says
Your post reminded me of a writing instructor I had many years ago. She encouraged us all to develop our skills and reminded us over and over that would only happen by writing. She made us all write out a little card that said something to the order of, “Many people are able to write, but I write.” Even if we have a talent, if we don’t develop it, it may not become much.
Char says
You are so right Donna. If we don’t develop a talent it’s dust…. I was listening to a podcast about the “lie” of pursuing what you’re passionate about. The point was to seize the opportunity (whether you love it or not) and develop it – then you will love it. There are many philosophies, but all agree – work hard and it will pay off!