Basketball Blues

Bible Reading: Romans 12:4-8

Kian yanked the door open, bounded into the house, and fell dramatically into an overstuffed chair in the living room. Dad smirked as he watched his son from the corner of his eye. “So, Kian, how was your day?”

“Fine,” muttered Kian as he stared out the window.

Dad shut his laptop and put it aside. “Want to talk?”

Kian opened his mouth as if to speak, but then closed it, changing his mind. A moment later, he sighed. “I didn’t make the basketball team,” he said.

“I didn’t know you were trying out for the team,” said Dad. “I didn’t think you liked playing basketball.”

“I don’t, really, but…” Kian shrugged. “All my friends are on the team.”

“I see,” said Dad, reaching over to pick up a sculpture of a bird. He looked thoughtful as he turned it around in his hands. “So will your friends like you less if you’re not on the team?”

“No, but I want to fit in with them and spend time with them,” said Kian.

“I know, but you can still spend time with your friends doing other things,” said Dad. “And you can show support and interest in what they’re doing by rooting for them at basketball games–you don’t have to be on the team yourself to do that. Then you’ll be able to concentrate on learning to do something you really enjoy.”

“Like what?” Kian noticed the sculpture his dad was holding. “You mean like art stuff? I made that bird in art class last year.”

“Well, it doesn’t seem like God gave you an interest in being a basketball player,” said Dad. “But He did give you a gift for art–and you enjoy it.”

“Yeah.” Kian took the bird and examined it closely. “Maybe I’ll sign up for an art class in the spring.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” said Dad. “God gives us all different talents so we can use them to point others to His goodness and love, but we still need to learn to use them and develop them. I think an art class would help you do that.”

Kian smiled. “Maybe I’ll learn how to make basketball sculptures I can give to my friends!”

–Vicki L. Reinhardt

How About You?
What special talents has God given you? Are you good at writing? Gardening? Singing? Babysitting? Don’t try to be what other people are if it’s not right for you. Trust God to help you find and develop your own talents and use them to point others to Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Do not neglect the gift that is in you. (NKJV) (1 Timothy 4:14)

Today’s Key Thought:
Develop your talent