You’ve Got Talent
Our high school hosted its third annual “Central’s Got Talent” talent show this week. It has become one of my favorite showcases of our student talent. While other contests or athletic matches also showcase talent, at those events you know (mostly) what to expect based on the category: band and choir concert, swim meet, Scholastic Bowl match, and so on. With the talent show, on the other hand, you don’t know until that evening who is going to surprise you and with what talent.
This year highlighted mostly musical performances, ranging from whole-house (large group) renditions of song, to individual performances, sprinkled with repeat performers (like beatboxing), and what could potentially be an annual showcase of humor debuted by two freshmen.
The courage and humility exhibited by each of the participants are noteworthy. In this world, courage and humility often seem to be mutually exclusive. Courage is often paired with loud confidence or even a boastful attitude in our culture. You’re either rewarded for being bold and courageous, or you can be humble. This is not so when we view courage and humility virtuously. When courage (fortitude) and humility come together, it’s harmonious (no pun intended on the music side of things). We’re even drawn to people who display boldness while at the same time, remain humble and recognize that the source of their strength is not themselves, but God. I immediately think of the examples of Saints like St. Catherine of Siena and St. Joan of Arc. But I also recently listened to a reflection by Jonathan Roumie and Kevin James where they both displayed great courage and humility. Surely there are people in our daily lives that live out courage and humility well.
Over the years, the night of our talent show has stirred up awe of the talent of our students and staff. It is inspiring. I think the talent show even opens the door for those with yet-to-be-shared talents to consider showing up and showcasing. While awe was stirred for many in the audience, others in the audience may have been purely entertained, which is also a good result of a talent. Talents definitely bring people together - we had a great crowd, which is another good thing.
Yet another reality about talent, which is truthful to the core, is a reminder that we ALL have talent. Do we intentionally think about that? Do we see the talents in others? Do we sit in gratitude for our own talents? Do we understand, utilize and share our talents? It doesn’t have to be the big, showy, go-on-stage type of display. In fact, the most amazing gifts we have are the ones we use to help others. Where our gifts intersect the needs of others.
I came across this great quote with my small group this week:
“You were made for the place where your real passion meets compassion, because there lies your real purpose.” -Ann Voskamp
We each have unique gifts given to us. When those gifts (passions) intersect projects or causes or a vocation that we feel strongly about (compassion), a synergy, or quite honestly, a holy contentment results.
So, here’s to being grateful for our talents. May we constantly seek to showcase them in a way that brings glory to God and brings fulfillment to our days. We were made for this.