Here’s a quote worth contemplating from George Eliot’s poem Stradivarius: “Tis God gives skill, but not without man’s hands. He could not make Antonio Stradivari’s violins without Antonio.”

In order to use our God-given gifts well we need to recognize our potential. And that means appreciating – and developing – our gifts and our strengths. It demands that we overcome limitations and imbalances.

It also means remembering that we are made in God’s image and likeness.

Listen to the Master. Turn His gifts into a full life lived gently, reverently, purposefully.

It was You who formed my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:1, 13-14)

Thank You, Father, for making me Your co-worker.