Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Just Fork It



Matthew 25:14-30


It was my turn. He bent down and looked at me - it wasn't intimidating; more like an affectionate kind of look. He placed them in my hands and said, "These I entrust to you; do what you think is right." And he drove off.

I looked at them, slightly baffled at what they were and what I was expected to do with them. We had a chat about what we planned to do with the talents and why we had different amounts. Maybe it became a little tensed because of that, I don't know - I'm the sort who wouldn't really notice. As we headed home, I was still thinking up an 'action plan' for these talents, then someone caught up to me, "Hey, what's up! Thought of what to do yet?"

Interesting conversation; it felt as if he was testing me. So I subtly retaliated, "Yeah, I have a few plausible considerations. What're you going to do?"

Almost immediately, he enthusiastically started sharing the grand plans he thought up to grow his talents, which were bigger than mine, by the way.
I guess I asked a good question.

"Anyway, back to you."

So I shared my rough ideas with an obvious tone of I'm-not-sure-I'm-still-thinking-ness because I wanted to continue the conversation. He seemed like he was listening rather attentively. To cut the long, awkward, walk home short, I managed to get a few real action plans from that encounter. I should think about them more, pray about it. I did.

**********

We all walk the road that God has paved for us, learning to trust and not lean on our own understanding. For some, He lights their paths and makes them straight; others, not yet. He deserves more than just acknowledgement, though. He deserves full emphasis.

Eventually, I arrived at a fork in the road. I tugged at His shirt, "Pa, what now?" It came down to two options: to stay where I am and watch the talents steadily grow, or take a more drastic, 'make or break' approach. To my surprise, He led me towards the riskier path. It was an inaudible whisper, one that came with clarity, peace, assurance. I heard, I understood. I chose the latter option - after all, it's no risk, no return.

Now, I think I know what to do with the talents.

By His grace and for His glory, they will mature and multiply.
So that when He returns, He will be pleased and say "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

I will be returning to Malaysia next year with a heavy heart as I leave the lovely city of Melbourne.
Surprise! Yeah, it was for me, too.

But first, I must finish this leg of the race well before taking on that change.
Excel, I will! For YOU, Jesus.


           

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