Easy But Still Valuable

There was nothing remarkably different or insightful that sparked the thought. It was during a regular time of quiet and devotion that I found myself jotting down the following words: “When something comes easy to us, there is a tendency to overlook its value to others and cause us to minimize its potential for impact, influence, and even income.” Before I could tuck the note away in my “I’ll use this someday” file, I recognized that what I had captured was more than a random thought that had meandered into my mind. Reluctantly, I had to admit that it was, in fact, a message—a reminder to myself of my own poor and often repeated practice of undervaluing those things in my life that I seem able to do with little effort.

I cringe to think how often I have had to consider that some of the knowledge and ability I possess is part of how I have been gifted and crafted. Those things that come easy to each of us display our uniqueness and become our super-power on the earth. The fact that you can do something with your eyes closed does not mean that everyone else knows how to perform the same function with the same sense of ease. What comes as “second nature” to you does not make it of non-importance to someone else. In reality, it is precisely those gifts and talents that we take for granted that impact and influence the world around us. They are part of our “fearfully and wonderfully made” selves.

Although I have not fully arrived, I am committed to the process of a paradigm shift. I want to do a better job of esteeming those things that I do naturally and then continue to seek how God may want to use them for His glory and my good. And now I share that same encouragement with you. Of course, if you are among those who regard every part of yourself, this will undoubtedly make little sense to you. But if you are in the same camp as I find myself, I trust that we will join forces to bring our easy yet valuable gifts to the forefront. After all, one of your income streams may be attached to the talent, gift, knowledge, or skill that you perform effortlessly. So, please think of this as a gentle reminder to appreciate that what may be easy for you is of great value to others.

Copyright © 2021, D’Ann V. Johnson