Sunday, August 12, 2012

~FINDING OUR STRENGTHS~

My Miss K is gone now and I already miss her.  Fourth grade begins this Thursday and more learning is on the horizon for our sweet girl.  I spent so much time with her over the past two weeks my La Chaumière de Briarwood seems empty now that she's gone.

Last week while chatting with Miss K we talked about how much we both love music.  To add some interest to our conversation I had her listen to some of my favorite singers and I listened to some of hers.
She LOVES Taylor Swift and that Justin boy like I love the likes of Dan Fogelberg... 

After listening to a fairly sentimental song by Mr. Dan (Believe In Me) my favorite little girl in the whole wide world said this...

"I wish I could sing, Nana.  I really WISH I could sing!!!!"

Knowing ahead of time that public singing is probably NOT going to be her strong point (at almost ten she's pretty much tone-deaf) I felt her disappointment at not doing well at something she loved.  Inside my heart was breaking as I tried to encourage her in regards to her life gifts. 

"We all can sing K and I hope you always will...even if it's for your own pleasure!  SING SING SING!  It's good for your soul!"

"I don't know WHAT my talents are yet!" 
she said
"I hope I have some!!!"

The longer we chatted the more I struggled  to find the right words for my grand-girl...

"There are always going to be things we want to do, but simply aren't blessed to accomplish!  I, for one, wanted to be a nurse as a little girl.  I faint at the sight of blood so can you imagine a nurse who can't give shots?" 

Although he never failed to encourage me my father always seemed slightly amused at the thought of ME, his wimpy little daughter, even considering a career in medicine...

"I'm not so good at sports like soccer and I was awful at ballet."
Miss K added.
"I draw pretty good...but MAYBE I'm just going to be a SMART GIRL!  You know...since my daddy is good at math and computer stuff and all!"

"Maybe so!" I added while smiling big...

I encouraged my Miss K to try focusing on her strengths and reminded her we all have them.  I promised her God loved her and He would reveal His wonderful gifts to her in His time   I told her I believed in her and for the moment she seemed happy with that.

Later in the evening, long after she went to sleep, I searched out and found the perfect passage of scripture that returned my own heart to ease.  The following morning I shared it with her...

"We ALL have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us." 
Romans 12:6

For certain, not all of us can be singers, public speakers, writers, teachers, artists or actors.  But failing to focus in on our strengths may keep us from finding the unique tasks God has called us to do.

Blessings as you spend the day in His presence.

Love to you... 

14 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Beautiful post Rebecca... love that Miss K wants to sing... I always wanted to be a singer, but have NO talent for that... I do sing, alot... always when I am driving in my car... even if people look at me funny when I am the only one in the car, I sing for all my worth... it reminds me of the song "I Hope You Dance"... I hope Miss K sings for all she is worth... which is priceless!... xoxo Julie Marie

Connie said...

Ya know what, sugar? That is soooo true! God has given us all talents. I struggled finding mine but I think my talent is listening and lifting people up. I'd rather be a brilliant mathematician or tech writer (which I am actually good at, tech writer I mean. But it is hard for each of us to find our talent. My patriarchal blessing says I'll be a mother in Zion. I sure hope I measure up to that and not disappoint my Lord. I'm just not really sure what that is. I fall far short in my own expectations but I've read enough to know that's where "mercy" steps in and helps me. If it wasn't for that I'd have no hope at all. Sigh...
xoxo,
Connie
You tell Miss K she'll find it if she seeks help through prayer. ;-)

Marilyn said...

I like it when the organ plays REALLY loud at church--that's when I sing! Perhaps with music in her soul she'll play some sort of instrument. I play my piano and bells for church. I've even tried the harp, but the practice room was like a closet at college, so I gave that up in the middle of the semester (or quarter-back then it was "quarters". I tell ya, I'm old.)♥♫

Unknown said...

We all have them, but sometimes they are not easy to find. I love how you teach Miss K. You teach her lessons of life. But in such a sweet and calm way. I can tell already how that is working out. Such a beautiful and inquesitive mind! You are preparing her well for the bumps we go through in life. Not that she won't be hurt at times. But you are giving her such a great foundation and the knowledge that she can always come to you. Bless you Rebecca for your sweet way of teaching Miss K to love life and people.

Theresa said...

Such a sweet post! I understand the emptiness after the grandkids are here and then not here:) My house is kinda quiet too! We all have talents, some can sing, some can't... but we can all try! Great advice for Miss K! BIG HUGS and plentiful blessings!

NanaDiana said...

You found the perfect verse, Rebecca. It is hard to see our kids struggle to find their way...even harder with our grandkids sometimes, I think.

I am sure your house seems quiet and empty today but I know that your heart is filled with the love of that little girl. I have a sick 10 year old here today- She was at ER twice this week with lung infection and bronchial problems, dehydration,etc. She wanted to come to Nana's house for a couple of days. It is quieter here without all the commotion of busy little sisters- xo Diana

Shabby chic Sandy said...

What a sweet post...my daughter Chantel can sing beautifully and I can't get her to do it in public. She also is amazing at running..she looks effortless like a deer or something. It is hard when you try to get your kids to do the things you think they are good at and not what they want too. It is so good you talked with her about finding her strengths. I have always wished I was a painter--but just don't have it in me. We are still trying to find what my son Wyatt is good at. Right now he is just really good at being a good kid to his Mom. :) Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Rebecca,
I am so moved by the way you handled this. I noticed how you didn't once tell her that she couldn't sing or couldn't "carry a tune in a bucket" the way I was told growing up. I was always told to be quiet (and that is putting it nicely.)

Do you know what? After accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He gave me the gift to sing-something I never had before. My family was shocked when I sang to my husband on our wedding day-and I was able to give all the glory to God for that and still do.

God could give your sweet girl that gift yet, but if He doesn't, at least she had a grammy who she can look back at as a source of encouragement instead of a negative one.

You are a sweet blessing and encouragement to me-the kind of grammy I hope to one day be!

Jonell w Harrison said...

what a precious conversation you relayed to us--I too love music and actually love to sing..when i was a child and a teenager no one told me I couldn't sing..so I sang. lol it was not until i was an adult that the world gently educated me to the fact that I don't have musical ability..but I love the childrens songs- the old hymns-simple choruses and all of us can listen to amazing incredible music of others and soak it into our very being don't you think? btw I did discover that I CAN TALK...rofl And I can speak and perform w an audience so IT'S ALL OK..your little doll will find her gifts and without a doubt she is going to be one much loved Grand-:^)

Jonell

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Rebecca,

Lovely soul searching post. It is so valuable to have a conversation like this! It certainly will remain with her and strengthen her in the coming years. She's blessed with such a Nana!!!
Hugs to you,
Mariette

White Lace and Promises said...

My niece and I have shared the same conversations lately. It's had for our little ones to find their gifts when all about them are athletes and musicians. I tell my baby girl (niece) that she is going to be a drama queen just like her Aunt Bonnie.

sweetvintageofmine said...

I think it's BEAUTIFUL that little Ms. K is already searching and seeking for that gift GOD has already given her! Her PASSION to want to know and receive the GIFT when GOD created her, watching the JOURNEY as she grows and the day she DISCOVERS what it is....I sense one GIFT is she has a HEART for people...caring, compassionate and kind...like her Grandmother! From sweetie to another~~~Roxie

Saucy Siciliana said...

My grandmother used to take me to ballet classes three times a week...but I was so goofy, I used to drive my Russian ballet teacher crazy, she incessantly told me "stomach in, shoulders back" but I always forgot. I have no artistic talent at all. Lovely post. I am a new follower from Rome.

Your Craft Book said...

Rebecca, I know that the kitchen will be wonderful. Steve is such a great guy and I know his work will be above pearls. Cannot wait to see the finished kitchen next summer sometime.

Also Reubs and I wish Steve all the best with his finals in November. There will be a big cheer from the Reid house, blessings, Maureen

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