A couple of Sunday nights ago, we had a "talent" show for our church in conjunction with an ice cream fellowship. It was a night just for fun. We do such things from time to time, for we all need times just to hang out with our friends, laughing with and at each other and being inspired by each other. The evening was a good variety show: we had solos, duets, piano playing, a harmonica player, a "magic" act (for laughs)--even Elvis showed up!
Someone took some video and uploaded a few of the acts to YouTube. If you want to get a laugh, click on the title of this blog ("Just for Fun" above), or cut and paste the following into your browser: http://www.youtube.com/user/clairmonthills. (To see me at my best, check out "The Great 'Who Done It'" from the list of videos posted. I might have tried to hide it, but my daughters have already posted it on some of their pages for their friends.)
It was good to have a variety, and I am glad so many people were willing to share their "talents" with others. The truth is, that's what Jesus wants us to do! We have a variety of gifts and talents given to us by God, and He wants us to use them. Sometimes it takes a bit of a risk to get out there and try something new, but when you put your gifts and talents to use, you will find that others usually aren't there to judge and boo you for your failures; they are there to encourage you and cheer you on for trying.
The crowd for our show showed their appreciation for each and every performer; God is also applauding us when we step out on faith to minister to others with the gifts He has given. Let me close this brief post with this encouragement from Scripture: "Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4.10).
So get out there and use your gifts. And don't forget to sometimes do things just for fun!
