Summer is well under way. I hope you're making time to stretch and write. The following was NJCWG's June meeting focus. If you didn't make the meeting, I pass these words on to encourage your writing gift. If you did make the meeting, I pass these words on to encourage your writing gift again.
Thoughts to ponder
Focus:
Making an Investment
Many of us are
familiar with the parable Jesus told in Matthew 25 (v.14-30). A man was going
on a journey and entrusted his estate to three of his servants. One was given
five talents to care for, another two talents, and another, one talent. Each of the
first two servants “put his money to work” and it multiplied. The third servant
wanted to keep the money safe, so he hid it.
When the master
returned he was pleased with the first two servants and said, "Well done,
good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things…”
The third
servant said to his master, “I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in
the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.” The master was displeased and called him wicked and lazy.
What do you think the
master expected of the servants? I don’t believe he praised the first two b/c
they made money for him - he commended them for being faithful. They saw their entrustment as precious and made an attempt to grow it. What if their investment didn't double? Would the master have praise them? I believe he would have. The servants had
no insurances that the money would double, but they did their best.
The third
servant was called wicked and lazy - how harsh! Just what did he did wrong? In
his own words, he let fear dictate his actions. He didn't respect the money he was
given as an entrustment. He didn't make an effort to research possibilities but took the easiest way out and
buried it.
As a writer
this parable encourages me in two ways. First, I will not allow fear to hold me back
- burying my talents is not an option. Secondly, although I can’t ensure results, I will be faithful and take
action - investment is my only option.
Take home thought: Am I investing the talents
entrusted to me?
May your summer investments reap a great reward!
Barbara
