Discovering our gifts and talents
I recently have a lecture to my students on the whole topic of discovering our gifts and talents, as I know many of them are still in that “what am I going to do with my life” phase. I’ve also been reflecting a lot on the question of stewardship, especially that of time and talent, and in one of my periods of meditation on the question the following checklist came to mind, which I’d like to throw out for comments and questions.
- I know at least one other language apart from English
- I speak in tongues
- I can sing (doesn’t necessarily have to be solo)
- I can play one or more musical instruments
- I have skill in one or more trades
- I am good at managing money
- I am comfortable adopting a leadership role
- I am good at organizing people/events/systems.
- I have skill in the arts of physical healing.
- I have skill at counselling others.
- I have skill in bringing spiritual and religious guidance to others.
- I am good at explaining things.
- I am attentive to the needs and concerns and others.
- I have skill at public speaking.
- I have skill in print communication (writing, graphic design, etc.)
- I have skill in audio/visual communication (media)
- I have skill in the use of the Internet
- I have some artistic skill
- I have a passion for social justice and human rights.
- I am knowledgeable about politics and social affairs (e.g. the law)
- I have knowledge of more than one cultural outlook and way of life (i.e. my own, and at least one other)
Vatican II spoke a lot about the apostolate of the laity, which flows from the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, and I personally believe that the way we will discover where the Holy Spirit is leading the Church will be in discovering the gifts which he has bestowed on the Christian people. That being said, though, we need a way to open our eyes and see what kinds of gifts those might be. I have some more reflections on this topic sitting on the back burner (particularly the difference between a skill and a spiritual gift, and how they come together to form a “calling”), but I’d appreciate discussion and comments on this one for now.
A question does pop in to mind. What if a person’s talents are obscure and not so easily exploited or demonstrated as some of the talents you have listed above? I firmly believe in developping myself as a human being and all our capabilities, but the fear of God and other people’s opinions haunts my mind while developping such skills. To name an innocent example, I recently found out I can write with both hands, with practice I can do so at the same time. Though when I’ve used my skill to facilitate my job responsibilities I did not like the response I got from gazes and remarks. Now this may seem harmless, but what of my other talents?
I have problems hearing a calling while I am wondering how will I fit in society. Perhaps you can help me with this Father?