Talent Is a Seed
by Rachael M. Colby
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass”
(Psalms 37:4-5, NKJV).
Talent is a seed. A seed hidden in a pocket will not take root, mature, or bear fruit. It must be planted in good soil and nourished. The writer’s job is to observe and to continually develop their skill. And if you pay attention, you will see life has a way of providing abundant opportunity and inspiration.
My neighbor and I planted the same kind of trees simultaneously. He planted three-foot trees, mine were seven-feet tall. But in a few months, his surpassed mine in height and vigor. When I consulted my gardener friend, Robert, he smiled and said, “Buy the $2 plant, but put it in a $20 hole.”
I am like the $2 plant, rooted and established in the priceless soil of the Gospel. The most important investment I will ever make in my life and my dream is to maintain a vibrant relationship with Jesus and seek His direction.
I can’t give what I don’t have. I can’t water the seed God has given me or the lives of others if I fail to first draw and drink from the well. I will not have strength to carry sustenance to others if I don’t first nourish my soul. Only then will I bear fruit and have anything to offer. Whatever I do will flourish in direct proportion to how much I invest in my relationship with God. My writing will be an outflow of time spent in God’s presence, in prayer, and in His word.
Sometimes I get discouraged with my writing; it seems like a mountain I will never climb. I wish everything didn’t take so long:
- Learning
- Editing
- Being heard in this noisy world
- Submitting my work with the hope it will someday be published
But life is a marathon, not a sprint.
“Slow and steady wins the race.” —The Hare and the Tortoise, Aesop’s Fables
I have a responsibility to tend the seed God has given. Worthy pursuits cost something. They often require hard work and take a long-term investment to reap a good return. My goal in writing is to glorify God, encourage believers, and reach the lost.
God, You are the Lord of the harvest, and it’s You who gives the increase. Help me to always put You, the Giver, above the gift, and to faithfully steward all You’ve called me to. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
*This article is derived from Rachael’s post, Talent is a Seed, originally published on her website, Tattoo It On Your Heart and also on her Cape Cod Times blog by the same name.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Rachael M Colby resides in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Wife, mom, bona fide beach bum, avid Tweeter, and creator of TattooItOnYourHeart.com—a place for seekers, followers, and writers, Rachael writes to glorify God and encourage others. She addresses culturally relevant questions connecting everyday life with Christianity’s answers through motivational articles, interviews, poetry, and children’s picture books.
This is so encouraging, like both of you, Rachael and Tina. Thank you for sharing your gifts and encouraging us to share ours. You’ve helped me much today. Thank you. God bless!
Thanks so much, Rebekah! I appreciate your uplifting words, too!
Rebekah, I’m indebted to you for your words and testimony which both convict and encourage me. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your writing.
Thank you so much for giving me the “nudge” I needed to get back to my writing garden. It has wilted for lack of living water. The weeds of grief and depression want to take over, but, thanks to God for encouraging me through your words, He and I will restore it together. May the Lord continue to bless your writing ministry.
You are so very welcome, Janet. I’m so sorry for the grief and depression you’ve experienced. I understand heartbreak. But I know too how Jesus takes the compost of our lives and and uses it to enrich us and touch others. God bless you, as you and the Lord break up the fallow ground, drink deeply from His well of living water, and sow the seeds He’s called you to.
Praise God for the privilege of being used by Him. It’s what we’re made for, you know—to know and glorify Him, and to encourage others in Christ and in their calling. Now, go pick up your pen. Keep in touch. 🙂
This is awesome! That $2 plant in a $20 hole illustration is one that will stick with me for a long time. Thanks for sharing your heart, Racheal. Beautiful! May God bless you in your writing and your roles as wife and mother!
Rachael, I love your encouragement to invest in the $20 hole! Lol Thank you, sister.