The Gift of Experience: Hope Prevails

Weakness vs. Strength

Weakness is in every person, whether we want to admit it or not. We do not live perfectly, we do not love perfectly, and we do not do our jobs perfectly. Weakness is part of human nature, and it's okay to admit that to ourselves and others.

I remember when I was in the fourth grade. I had a straight A average. My teacher had a horse farm, and every student who maintained an A average was going to go on a field trip there. I was excited about it because my folks really didn't let me out of their sight much.

One day, another student and I went to the facilities. Even though I didn't think it was right, she influenced me to write on the bathroom wall. Then, she proceeded to tell on me for it, thus making me miss out on the trip, even though I had received my blue ribbon each week. I think that was the first time I realized I had weaknesses.

Since then, there have been many other things in my life that could be considered frailties. Fears, for example, or people-pleasing. However, today, I don't focus on what my imperfections are; rather, I try to hone in on my assets. No one can be excellent at everything. Why expend all our energies trying to perfect a skill at which we are just not suited? That's what irks me about some parents who force their children into activities that do not interest them. Hone the skills we DO have, and we will be happy. Why? Because those skills are God-given talents.

I am weak in my own strength, but in Jesus I am made strong. When we lean on, and rely in Him, all things are possible. "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28

So, if we love God, and live for Him in our everyday lives, sharpening the skills he has given us, we will be glorifying Him.

If we focus on strengths, rather than weaknesses, we will become adept at what we were meant to do in this lifetime, and we'll be happy doing it.