Week of 3 Advent, Friday

"Well done, good and faithful servant"

These are the words many of us long to hear more than any others ... to be told that we are doing a good job, that our work is valuable, that we're on the right track. That kind of feedback is a real boost to the ego, but it's in awfully short supply these days.

Instead we run scared, afraid that giving our all won't be enough, or that it would be better just to hide in our cubicles and hope not to be noticed. Certainly this is not the climate in which to risk anything ... or is it?

Jesus' parable this morning -- the parable of the talents -- suggests that the greatest risk lies in not using the gifts we've been given. Our talents are gifts from God, so we are free to use them without counting the cost. They are "seed money" or "venture capital" for us to build on, and none of us is left out of the funding.

Whether we receive five talents, or two, or just one, we've each got something to use and something to offer. Finding the opportunity to use those talents, searching until we discover the need that cries out for our skills, practicing so that our talents are made better, is hard work -- and too many are afraid of doing that hard work, preferring instead not to shine, not to put forward that they are capable.

There's a sort of false humility that denies or minimizes our talents, and that false humility is not of God. God has chosen to give to each of us generously, and as the parable suggests, God wants us to share our talents with equal generosity. True humility says, "Yes, I am good at this, thank you. How can I help?"

Thing is, when we put ourselves forward, our talents and skills -- whatever they may be -- are likely to be put to use, and then there'll be no more excuses. Once you've started playing the game, you can't go back to the sidelines.

Talent that is used draws other talents into play. I see that at the company where I work -- everyone really is trying to do their very best, and it's a joy to see how we add to each other's expertise.

Why not be the one who shares your talents with those around you? Why not step forward in trust that what you can do will prove to be what the world needs done? Go ahead, good and faithful servant -- enter into the joy of your master.