to the singers, dancers, picture takers, friends, listeners, swimmers, teachers, painters, pilots, babysitters, believers, and you

I just love seeing things like this. This 6th grader is truly talented.

However, I would not want to suggest that talents are limited to only certain more visible skills. I used to think that talents only came in the form of singing or dancing... a misery caused by middle school talent shows. :(

BUT....

Now I (think) it is amazing that God loves each of us so much that He instills within us gifts to bless each other. I quickly learned (for my own survival) that talents come in an infinite number of ways and at different times.

God doesn't need everyone to be a great teacher. Who would be a great listener? He doesn't need everyone to be a swimmer. Who would be a great coach? He simply does not need each of us to possess every talent all the time.

Some things we never dreamed of doing in our youth become our most wonderful talents as adults. What an inspiring lesson. God is constantly reminding us of His love, His plan and granting us opportunities to increase our testimonies in this life.

Even now as I think on it, He needs us more than anything to depend on one another; to serve and lift and encourage one another. He knows how hard this test is, He's been there. He loves us! And like any wonderful parent He knows that learning and growth are not just a lecture but an experience.

You have talents and gifts unique to you. You will be able to do things for other people that no one else ever born has been able to do. No one. Just you.

Thank you each of you for sharing your talents, especially those that have lifted me and my fellow brothers and sisters. God loves you! And may He bless all of us with more opportunities to lift, serve, testify, listen, and learn through talents!