I don’t remember how the conversation started, but somehow, I ended up telling Sarah that Uncle Michael is a tinker. Of course, she asked me why, and I responded by saying, “I don’t know why that’s his talent, but Uncle Michael was a good tinker even when he was a little boy. He was always good at fixing things.”
A few moments later, Sarah came over to my room and said, “My talent is coloring.”
I agreed and told her that she is very good at coloring. She stays in the lines and mixes the colors very beautifully. I then asked her what she thought my talent was, just out of curiosity.
Her response: “Loving people.”
WHOA–I did not see that one coming. Looking back on my life, I never would have thought of loving people as my talent, especially since I spent so many years with so little compassion for others. In fact, I would still have to say that PRIDE is the deadly sin I struggle with the most, although I have come leagues from where I was before having children to humble me.
Sarah’s perspective of my talent made me feel really good; I almost wanted to cry. I’m glad she brought it to the forefront because now I know that I will consciously work to hone this talent. What better way to have your children view your strength than as someone who loves people?