I frequently ask God "What would you have me do with this that you've placed in my hands?" I want to know what to do with, not just my material gifts, but my personal/metaphysical gifts. How am I meant to use my intelligence? What purpose is my presence serving? Who can benefit from my boldness?
There's a parable in Matthew 25 in the bible which is told by Jesus. In it, a rich master gives wealth to three servants based on their skills. He gives five talents (a lotta money) to the first, two to the second, and one to the third. The first two servants trade and double their money. The third servant buries his single talent in the ground out of fear. After some time, the master comes back and asks for an account. He praises and rewards the first two servants for what they did with their talents. The third servant gets punished for doing nothing with his. The moral of the parable is that we're all given different resources, such as time, money, and personal abilities. We're meant to use what we have been given to help others and honor God.
My friend, Jessica, had many gifts, including those of teaching, mercy, and evangelism. She was not ashamed of the gospel. I have no doubt that she will hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."
With Jessica's departure fresh on my mind, I am renewed in spirit and purpose. I will start with this challenge. Let no talent of mine be buried in fear.