I am in awe of people who can play a musical instrument. Music is one of the most magical things I have encountered. Most of my friends can either play something or sing. Although my friends show me grace and allow me to sing along with them it is clear to everyone that I can’t keep a tune!
However, I do own a guitar. Can I play? No. But I own it! Every few months or so I gaze longingly upon it and contemplate attempting to teach myself a little. It’s not as though it would be that hard with the plethora of tutorials on YouTube and the aid of my helpful friends.
Unfortunately, before I can pick it up I always seem to get distracted by something or the other- an assignment or reading or a session on YouTube which snowballs into five hours. The point is, it has been years and I still cannot play guitar.
Do you have anything in your life that you have been putting off?
It would be undeniably beneficial for me to learn the guitar. Sure, it may be difficult in the beginning but the ability to play so many of my favourite songs and show off to my friends would surely be worth it. So why can’t I do it?
Research suggests that it takes 21 days to form a habit. That would be 21 days of intentionally putting time aside to practice my playing before it becomes something that I do automatically. On top of that, according to Google it takes 10,000 hours to learn a new skill! There is no denying that self-improvement is hard work.
It is not just guitar. I have slacked off on my reading in the last year. I don’t write nearly enough and anything resembling a hobby goes out the window during the semester!
It can be so hard to spend our time doing anything of significance and yet time is the greatest gift that has been given to us.
The Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 tells the story of a master who left his ‘talents’ or money with three of his servants while he went on a trip. Each of the servants chooses to do something different with the money – one buries it and the others place the money in banks multiplying it many times. When the Master returns, he praises the servants who choose to take risks to increase the talents and berates the one who chose to play it safe.
God has given each of us talents. He does not want us to play it safe.
In 1 Corinthians 10:31 it says, “so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.”
We need to find a way to bring glory to God through everything we do, we need to spend time honing our skills and talents.
Dig up your talents from the dirt. Renew your commitment to trying new and strange things and most of all using your talents. We are on this earth to live and to do so abundantly!
AUTHOR: Kira-leigh Josey, attends Thornleigh Church NSW.