Talents

I was reading my cousin's blog yesterday and really liked what she talked about. She posted about a blog she read about talents...basically, everyone is blessed with talents whether it be physical, musical, crafty, etc. Today in Relief Society, we talked a little about the parable of the talents. It made me start to think about gifts of the spirit and some of the things I'm talented in and with:

Listening and watching. I'm really good at just observing what is happening around me. When I go to a large group activity, I like to see what is happening all around me and even listen to several conversations at once. Not only am I good at listening to the people around me, but I'm good at listening to what they don't say as well. I always get promptings on how to best help those around me and what I should be doing with my life.

Numbers. I love numbers and I am pretty good with them. I was my mom's phone book growing up. Numbers just come to me easily in remembering them and understanding how they work. Math is one of my favorite subjects. I amaze my co-workers with how well I understand math concepts and my ability to then explain it to others in multiple ways.

Teaching. Not only do I love to teach, I think I'm pretty good at it. I've been able to help many students throughout the years to understand difficult concepts and to have fun while doing it. Not only do I teach my 6th graders, but I am now teaching the gospel doctrine class on Sunday as well. I worry that I treat my class too much like my twelve-year-olds, but it's their fault for acting like twelve-year-olds.

Optimism. I like to see the bright side to everything. I've learned that things are going to happen no matter what, so I can decide to be upset or stressed out about it (which really won't change anything about the situation) or I can be happy and have fun. I think it is more fun to be happy and to have fun, so I generally choose that option.

Talking to children. Last year, I had a student who would always ask me how I knew how to talk to the kindergarten students we read to. He told me that I could just mesmerize them and captivate them by just talking to them.

There are more things that I do, don't know if I would call them "talents" or gifts but they are definitely things I have worked on throughout my life or just do without thinking about them much, these that I mentioned or just some that come to mind first. I remember a lesson/discussion I participated in a few years ago and the teacher was trying to argue over the thought that an education was needed in order to be successful in life. She disagreed until I pointed out that not all educations are received in a "formal" institution or school, but educations are received and built by doing and learning from the people and things around a person. I have received an education through school and even have a degree in teaching, but I have received more of an education in teaching by doing it and by watching and listening to the people around me. I have received an education about different parts of my life by experiencing it with friends and family. Everyone can build and develop their own talents and gifts by working towards them and developing them. Yes, some things come more easily to some than others, but that doesn't mean that only certain people can develop certain talents. For example, it has taken me years to develop any sort of "talent" to just talking with people, I'm still not very good at it, but I'm loads better compared to five or ten years ago. It was a decision that I had to make and then take some action towards developing the skill. So, if there is something you would like to be able to do, do it!