I Have A Talent

I wrote this a few days ago in my little notebook I keep in my purse since I wasn't near a computer when my mind started compiling this in my head.


Through my life, I have noticed that many of those blessed with talents - specifically playing the piano and/or organ - like to keep quiet about it. I admit that I used to be quiet about it too- not that I didn't want anyone to know, but because I am not one to toot my own horn. To me, it seemed rather pompous for me to speak up and  seem like I was saying "look at me. Look at how awesome I am."


I think most people don't want to admit it because they don't want to get stuck in a calling for years (for my non-LDS readers, a calling is a position we are asked to serve in church. We are called by the leaders and the Lord to serve.). Yes, that does tend to happen, but there are usually not a whole lot of people with the ability to serve that kind of calling. We have been in this ward for 12 years and I have been the Primary pianist for a combined total of 6 of those years. I have been the choir pianist for about 10 years, and a Relief Society pianist for about 1 year. I have also filled in where needed for all of those 12 years.


My attitude has changed in the last year or so. The Lord has gifted me with this talent. And He didn't do it so I could hide it. He did it so I could share it. His gift is a gift I can give to others. And I won't hide it anymore. In 2 months, we will move to a new ward and when I introduce myself, I will tell them that I play the piano (and organ). If I'm immediately called into Primary and am there for years, then so be it. Heavenly Father gave me this talent (and my family also played a big part in developing it) and this is how He wants me to use it. This is how He wants to use me to bless others.


This month I have been assigned to be the pianist for a branch in our stake. Just around the corner from my house is an apartment complex for those of retirement age and younger people with mobility issues. They are their own branch and hold their church services in their clubhouse. This year, they are without a pianist, so the stake is rotating this assignment among the wards. I'm assuming this is the first month by the expressions of gratitude I'm getting as soon as I walk in the door. They had the CD player ready to go last week as they have been using for the past 2 months. It has been a wonderful opportunity. They are so grateful to have me there. I love doing it, although I do have to miss most of my ward's meetings. I am so grateful to be able to serve them. But the gratitude really goes to Heavenly Father. It is because of Him I am able to serve these people. My talent is the candle spoken of in Matthew 5:15:  "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."

I am going to give that light to all that are in the house. I have a talent.