Developing our Talents

Jesus told a story about a man giving his servants some money. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand and to a third a thousand. The man left on a journey and returned. He was happy to learn that the ones with five and two thousand doubled their money. The one with the thousand played it safe. He didn't risk passing the money into the hands of an investor who might lose the whole thing.

The man giving out the money was upset with the one who played it safe. He favored the riskers.

We can take the lesson that the Lord wants us to develop our talents: playing the piano, singing, speaking, studying, building... All these talents are good to increase. I was thinking of another talent we should make grow- the people with whom we live. Husbands should consider themselves responsible for fostering the grow of their wives in their many talents. Wives should do the same work with their husbands. Parents should do this fostering of grow with their children. And children should work on fostering growth in their parents and brothers and sisters.

What are some of the things we can do to foster this growth in those who are close to us? Listening is vital. Encouraging dreams, praise, giving direction and offering a milieu of freedom.
What a key to a successful marriage and family if each member strove to help develop the talents of others. That's a powerful challenge from the story of Jesus.