Earlier this year, I remember speaking to a Christian
gentleman concerning “finding the time” to write. I had a strong burden to write for other
ladies, but I was also a busy home schooling mama, just starting to travel
full-time in a missions ministry with my husband. “Consider it to be like daily exercise,” this
gentleman told me. “Dedicate just ten to fifteen minutes each day to writing
SOMETHING. Before you know it, you may
find yourself writing for 20 minutes every day, or maybe even an hour!”
I embarked on the project of publishing my book, began to
write occasional articles for the Guild of Baptist Writers, composed our
family’s prayer letters, and sought to contribute to my own blog more
faithfully. And what satisfaction – what
joy - there was in doing so! How on
earth was I “finding the time”? It was just as the gentleman had said –
dedicating a little bit of time any day I could. I began to travel with a small clipboard by
my feet, in the van. I’d jot down verses
and ideas as I’d have my personal devotions.
I found an amazing resource at Barnes & Noble that stretched my
skills and made me feel as though I was getting a mini “writing course”. For the first time in several years, I sought to DEVELOP the talent that the Lord
had already given me.
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is found in the book of I Chronicles,
where David is excitedly gathering the materials and the workers for Solomon to
build the Temple. In I Chronicles 28:21 David
says “ . . . and there shall be with thee
for all manner of workmanship every willing skillful man, for any manner of
service . . .” These people were taking their skills - their talents – and offering
them willingly to the Lord.
As we have ministered in various churches across the U.S.,
this year, one of the joys for me has been seeing the results of other ladies using their
talents for Christ. Quilts, bath scrubs,
stationery, flower arrangements, piano specials, poems, meals . . . This past
week, I observed as a mother of three took the time to compose music, and
fashion various art and furniture projects for her home. About a month ago, a mama with several little
ones and another baby on the way, was sharing with me how she was endeavoring
to learn Hebrew, for her own personal Bible study!
How inspiring!
I Chronicles 29:5 “ .
. . And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?”
In the business of life, it is so tempting to fall into the
trap of declaring, “I just don’t have the time!” Do you realize how very much can be
accomplished in just 15 minutes? 20 minutes? Half-an-hour? If you’ve ever potty-trained a toddler, you
probably know what I’m talking about!
You’ve set that timer, and it’s time to wash as many dishes or fold as
many pieces of laundry as possible before the next visit to the bathroom.
SMILE!
What is YOUR God-given talent or interest? Perhaps you have
several! Are you exercising those today?
Between the shopping, the cooking, the cleaning, and perhaps even the educating of your own children, what simple steps could you take to develop your skill?
Though there is truth in having to set some things “on the shelf”
during the busier stages of life, God also states for us the importance of “redeeming the time”. Our Savior does not wish for us to forsake
those gifts that He has given to us for His glory.
I Chronicles 29:9 “Then
the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect
heart they offered willingly to the LORD . . .”
I pray that you’ll read that article, sign up for that
online class, or pull out the paints and the brushes, this week! And when you
do, may you offer your talent to the Lord for HIS work, and see whose lives He
allows you to touch. God Bless!
