Funny how things come full circle. More than a week ago I posted about talent, and how I admire talented people. This past week, I was amazed and more than a bit challenged by several of the extremely talented people I admire. How did I get so lucky to be in the presence of such genius?
A little background: Each year LifeChurch.tv presents a sermon series called At the Movies. A few years ago we began decorating the campus lobbies with various movie scenes - which quickly became a "competition" between campuses to see who could decorate the best. Well, the Tulsa campus has lead the pack the past 2 years, and this year looks to be no exception.
I have been blessed to be a part of this tradition since its inception 3 years ago...blessed to put in 4-18+ hour days in a row; blessed to twist vines and make cave walls and tree trunks out of butcher paper until my fingertips bleed: blessed to navigate the scissor lift within inches of the freshly papered walls while my legs shake from fatigue; blessed to maintain some measure of decorum (albeit not much) when I find out we need 1,000 more feet of butcher paper.
Blessed to watch a vision come together; blessed to see dozens of people put all of their heart and soul into something bigger than themselves; blessed to watch the faces of those who come into the church for the first time during this series; blessed to be a part of what will hopefully be hundreds of changed lives; blessed to be surrounded with talent beyond my imagination.
I asked myself many times during those 18 hour days - What will happen to me when I leave this place and all these gifted people to venture where God has me next? Will I ever be able to be a part of something so big and so amazing again...after all, I have no Talent! Honestly, I became very afraid! Then, at 2:00 in the morning as the Associate Pastor and I were 20 feet in the air hanging the last of the paper, it came to me...Share the vision, and the talent will come. A truly humble leader will attract talent.
That's why the Tulsa campus of LifeChurch.tv does what it does so well...it is staffed with humble hearts gifted with leadership that the people follow. Each weekend there are close to 300 people who volunteer to make 6 experiences happen with excellence. Every time we put out the call for people to serve the community through missions or serve each other through life groups, they answer. When we ask them to help us transform the lobby after they have already put in 8-10 hours at their real job, they appear.
But with the gift of leadership comes a huge level of responsibility - first - remain humble, and second - be a leader to those whom God is calling you to lead.
So although I don't have artistic talent, I pray that I will always remain humble and recognize those around me whom God has gifted. While I will likely never be able to paint, sculpt, act, sing or play a musical instrument, I hope I will always recognize and admire those who can...and encourage them to use their gifts in such a way to honor God and inspire people.
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2 comments:
these are very poetic words. i think that you hit the nail right on the head...it is nothing that you or i could do to attract people...we humbly serve God with all that we have and we GET to watch and see what he decides to do. Oh, BTW, when you head out of here and God will most def use you in a huge way to lead people to Him...youre humble...like you said...that is what it takes!
I beg to differ with you about YOU not having talent! Your writing on this blog alone is amazing and keeps me wanting to read more! Oh Yeah, you also have patience like no one else I know, which is exactly why God put you with Kids! You ROCK Robyn! You will be truly missed!
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