As a young ingenue, working for a major publishing house in New York City was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to me. I was offered the opportunity to complete a comprehensive copy-editing course, with the promise of a promotion to a higher-level editorial position. I happily agreed and gave 110% of myself to my lessons.
Fast forward one year later… As a newlywed, I learned my husband would soon receive a company transfer to Michigan. Upon my arrival there, I quickly discovered there was almost zero opportunity to work as an editor in the rural Midwest. Deflated, I began to question why I had studied so hard to perfect my skills. Why had I wasted my time? My career as an editor was over. Or, was it?
On the front end, we don’t always realize why we feel led to participate in a training or learning experience. Looking back, we can often see that God had a plan for the path on which he placed us. If we listen to the leading of the still small voice within and follow through in obedience, we will know the joy of living a life on mission and with purpose.
To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work and gained five more. Matthew 25:15-16
As I spent hours marking up manuscripts, I had no idea how God might lead me to utilize this knowledge in the future. In time, I put these skills to use updating the policies/procedures manual when I worked in the nutrition services department at a university hospital. Then, as an executive director for a pro-life health center, I took great joy in serving as editor for the quarterly newsletter. Currently, I write and blog with a high level of confidence in my ability.
The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, ‘Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:20-21
God has given us an amazing mind. Rather than embracing our gift, we often take our intelligence for granted. Instead of cherishing intellectual growth, many of us skimp by, daily engaging only a small portion of our brain power necessary to get us through. Sad! There is always something new to study, some new knowledge in which to invest. Personally, I keep learning about the advancements in technology, especially as they relate to blogging and social media.
Can you identify a time when you learned a new skill and later realized the impact of having done so? How did God use your special knowledge in your life? Are you studying something now, believing that God will bring a good return on your investment?
Susi Robinson Rutz 