Time and Talent
Last Sunday, I heard our Elder John, talk about what I describe as “Time and Talent” giving to the church. This was during his elder meditation.
Ok, let me take a step back. I can’t remember how many years ago it was in a church in a land faraway from here but I heard a message on giving of your time, treasure and talent. Time is when you volunteer to help in the running of the church. Treasure is your monetary contributions through the offering. Talent is when you volunteer your time using your God given talents such as teaching a Bible class. I liked the categorization so much I have used it ever since.
Last week, because I am a time sensitive (anal) introverted person, I arrived to Washburn about a half hour before my class. I was sitting in the student lounge area of this building when I overheard this young lady asking other students about transposing a song for an Alto singer to perform at her church. I was enjoying listening to college students majoring in singing giving her advice.
Yesterday, I was in the same situation (1/2 hour early in the same lounge with a similar group of students lounging) and I saw this same young lady. I politely asked her if she had figured out how to transpose the song for the Alto singer. This started a conversation regarding her church (I don’t remember what she told me it’s name is but it is on North Topeka Blvd). She told me that they have about 200 kids in their youth program and that the person in charge of the music worship left for whatever reason and she was asked to lead the music for their youth program.
I instantly admired this young person (I don’t know how old she is or her name for that matter but I’m guessing between 17 and 21) for stepping into that role while being, I assume, a full time student in college. To me, she is generously giving of her time and talent.
“And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” - Mark 12:41-44 ESV
“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.”- Psalm 111:1-8
What was even more amazing about my conversation with this young person was the pure joy I saw on her face as she told me how she became involved with her church’s youth program. I didn’t detect one iota of worry about how things were going to get done or whether she was good enough to do it right. I saw joy and pride in her generous gift of her time and talent to worship our God.
Is there joy missing from your life?
