The Talent

It’s strange how quickly a normal day can turn into something we never expected. An extra bill. Sickness. A broken bone. A mental health crisis. These are real problems in a real world. And over time, I’ve come to the conclusion that life isn’t easy. We all have our own struggles.

As for myself, I wrestled against poor coordination, fought through English and math, and battled anxiety and depression. I was labeled below average, behind, and without strengths. I was a dodo in the eyes of the world—worthless.

Yet, I became a taxidermist despite my once poor coordination. I authored Legacy of the Kings. I’ve written multiple math books and even taught precalculus to high school students. Through Christ, I overcame anxiety and depression. The world labeled me a dodo, but God labeled me His child—highly valued.

Within the book of Matthew, we can read about the Parable of the Talents. A master leaves on a journey and entrusts three of his servants with money to steward while he is away. When he returns, he finds that the first and second servants have doubled what they were given, while the third buried his wealth.

The master was pleased with the first two servants. They were entrusted with even more. But the third servant was cast out, sent to live among those who failed in their responsibilities.

This parable describes the consequences of good and bad stewardship. I remember hearing this story in first grade. The money was called “talents.” I thought the “talents” were meant as gifts, skills, or something they were born with.

Years later, when I studied the parable for myself, the truth humored me. The talent was not a gift or skill, but a large weight of wealth. Looking back now, I realize God was teaching me something long before I understood the parable. And it’s a lesson worth sharing in the next post.

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."

Colossians 3:23