The other day, I was feeling inspired as a parent and I decided to purposely speak truth and life into my children’s lives (don’t worry other parents who are struggling, these moments don’t happen often, I struggle just like you).  I called each of my boys over and spoke to them individually, specifically telling them things that I was proud of.  “I am proud of the work that you are doing at school”, “I am proud of the way you are being kind and taking care of your brother”, “I am proud of the way you are so loving to those you meet.”  And as I told each of them the things that I was proud of, their eyes lit up and a smile crept across their face.

I think we all need to hear that we are doing well.  It not only lifts our spirits, but it helps us feel motivated to keep improving and working on those areas that we may fall short.  Jesus shares a parable about a master giving his servants talents to watch over while he is gone.  Two of the servants put the talents to work and made a return on the talents.  But the third servant buried his talent, ensuring that the talent would be safe but didn’t produce anything. To the two servants that put their talents to work, the master had this to say: “‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matthew-25:23)

Jesus is calling us to put our talents to work as well.  It isn’t good enough that we ensure that our talent is safe or that we just do the status quo.  We need to go over and beyond, putting our talents to use and serving our Lord to our fullest.  Wouldn’t it be the best thing ever to hear Jesus say to you one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Let us strive for a day just like that, where God tells us how well we have done with this life that we have been given.  Let us go over and beyond, giving God our very best, loving God our very best, and blessing all who we come in contact with.