Rekindling A Dormant Talent
Have you ever thought of rekindling a talent or skill that you once had used, applied or shone in? Perhaps you were once a singer, cartoonist, a seamstress or a craftsman. But because of one reason or another, you had to let that skill or talent lapse; intentionally or otherwise.
A dormant talent is not necessarily a wasted talent. It may simply be a talent waiting for a new season.
I recently showed my adult son a drawing he had done of me when he was in his pre-teens. As parents we can be biased in our opinions of our children, but we believed he could excel in drawing and painting after seeing some of the works he had produced during his school years. I remember visiting, with his mother, a local art exhibition which included one of his works.
As is often the case; distractions, lack of opportunities, other priorities and life's challenges can interfere with the natural development of the innate talents we all have.
When I was a small boy around the age of nine or ten, I would visit my uncle who had a set of drums in his house. I longed to play on it but was not allowed to. That love for the instrument was enhanced when I was chosen to play the snare drum with its strap around my neck as part of a kindergarten concert performance. Unfortunately, opportunities to play the drums did not present again throughout my school and adult life. The love of making music however was still within me over these years. It was not until my mid-thirties when I was given the opportunity to lead 'praise and worship' songs at my church Sunday services. Jenny, my wife was also musically gifted and knew to play the piano. Subsequently we were blessed with both our daughter and son with music in their ‘veins’.
Acclaimed British actor Alan Rickman (1946-2016) said, "Talent is an accident of genes - and a responsibility." Rickman reminds us that, if we have a talent, let's say of music, we have a responsibility to use it but also nurture it and pass it on to the next generation. I am sure this is true not only for music. It can apply to whatever talent each of us have, for example caregiving, carpentry or sewing. A rekindled talent can become both an encouragement and example to younger people.
If you are waiting for the opportunity to rekindle a hidden talent, here's an encouraging Scripture verse - “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you." (2 Timothy1:6). It's a verse where the apostle Paul writes to a young disciple named Timothy to encourage him on his purpose. Telling him not to allow fear, discouragement, age, circumstances, or inactivity to cause his God-given gift to lie dormant.
The talent we once enjoyed in the creative arts, sports or teaching can become dormant simply because our life's journey has taken us in another direction. I’d say, “Stir it up!” It is never too late. Age should not diminish our capacity to learn and develop a talent. On the contrary the experiences we have accumulated over time can provide greater insight and perspective on what we want to do.
Most people know the story of Harland ‘Colonel’ Sanders, the founder of the brand Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC as it is known today). He had worked at many different jobs, including as a steam engine stoker, fireman, insurance salesman, streetcar conductor and ferry boat operator. It was not until his late 40s when his cooking talents led him to develop the ‘11 herbs and spices’ recipe of the now famous fried chicken. He opened his first franchise store when he was 62 years old. A lesson that talent can find its greatest expression late in life.
What can hold us back from rekindling a skill or talent is the fear that we may be "out of practice". The fear of the "restart" may sometimes be scary and challenging and for most people that is often the most difficult decision they have to make. It is said, “The first step is the hardest." If you have experienced restarting a smouldering campfire, the action required is not throwing more logs on the smouldering ashes, but the placement of smaller pieces of wood or branches. Then you need to stoke the ambers and fan it until the fire catches hold. Once the fire restarts getting the bigger logs to burn is easy. Rekindling begins with accepting that the first attempts may be imperfect. Be encouraged. It is said that practice is the discipline that turns possibility into performance.
If you are not after a stage performance or a means of becoming successful or making money from it, rekindling a talent does not need to be all about these material outcomes. The enjoyment, creativity and sense of accomplishment can be rewarding enough. There are people I know who have volunteered their time and skills working at community based ‘repair cafes’ where they help with repairing simple household items, toys or mending clothing. These community activities are focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainability. People who volunteer are repurposing their skills. They get joy in seeing customers walk away with, for example a working toaster or a stitched-up teddy bear.
People who are retired are often prime candidates who find their talents and skills rekindled when they share their talents with others. While not exclusive to retirees, sharing a talent becomes particularly meaningful when it benefits someone else like a younger or less experienced person. Teaching, mentoring, coaching, entertaining young children or doing a sing-along with elderly folks in a nursing home can give a person a sense of purpose while renewing their skills and talents. Spiritually too it can be up lifting. The apostle Peter writes, "As each one has a received a gift, minister it to [share it with] one another" (1 Peter 4:10).
Concluding with the classic advice from Napolean Hill, author of 'Think and Grow Rich', "Don't wait. The time will never be just right." It is said that motivation often comes after we begin. Spending just 15 to 30 minutes regularly on an old interest can gradually bring your dormant skill, talent or interest back to life.
Remember rekindling a talent is not necessarily discovering something new; sometimes it is rediscovering something that was already inside of you.
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