Discovering the Many Faces of Talent; Yours too!

Discovering the Many Faces of Talent; Yours too!

I still remember the morning I was invited to speak at Caldwell Academy’s Grandparents Day. Naturally, my connection was my granddaughter Jadyn, who was a student at the time. To my surprise, when I walked into the gymnasium it was standing room only — a sea of grandparents eager to celebrate their role in the lives of these children.

My message that day was lighthearted. I shared stories of my own challenges as a student and how, against the odds, I managed to build a life in one of the rarest occupations there is: a professional artist. Over and over, people tell me, “Bill, you are so talented.”

But the truth is — we all are.

Just this morning I was reading a devotional by Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life. He shared a startling thought: each of us has between 600 and 700 talents, most of which we never use. As a painter, it’s obvious where one of my gifts lies. Yet throughout my career and community service, I’ve seen talents shine in countless ways — not just in galleries, but in classrooms, kitchens, hospitals, boardrooms, and neighborhoods.

Three Inspiring Reminders

1. Talent is not limited to the obvious. It’s as much in the hands of a grandmother who creates a safe haven as it is in the brushstrokes of a painting.

2. Hidden talents change lives. Listening well, encouraging others, or showing up faithfully can make a difference far greater than we realize.

3. Your gifts were meant to be shared. When you use what you’ve been given — even in small ways — you bless others and enrich your own journey.

The world doesn’t need more people who compare talents — it needs more people who use them. We may never tap into all 600 or 700, but imagine what could happen if each of us brought even a few more of them to life.