I heard the parable today about the three servants who were given talents to care for in their master’s absence. One got five and doubled them. Another got two and doubled them. The third got one talent and buried it out of fear. When the master returned, he was not happy with the third one who had buried his talent. He took it from him and gave it to the first servant. It doesn’t seem fair, does it? But I sort of understand.

I must not bury my one small talent because I judge it to be insignificant. I must use it and try to make it grow. All of our individual talents are important to the world. Does it matter that I cannot sing operatic arias and entertain thousands of people, when I can instead sing quiet, peaceful songs to a nursing home resident and lift her spirits? It matters to her. What if I said, “Oh, I’m not an accomplished chef. I’m not going to cook at all.” Who would cook for the family? If I said, “I’ll never be able to write poetry like Dickinson, or Hopkins, or Rumi,” how would my unique voice be heard by those who need to hear it? All of our individual, small talents matter tremendously to someone. I am grateful for the courage I have been given to put my talents to use. And I am doubly grateful for all those whose talents brighten my day in countless ways.

The heart knows how, when and where our talents are to be employed or invested. “The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing. “ Blaise Pascal. Oh the mystery of love.

my favorite dahlia