So the comic character/super hero Wolverine has a saying that he’s best in the world at what he does, but what he does isn’t very nice.
It’s a good line. Other than the not nice bit. Which of course isn’t good at all. Then when you see what he’s good at …
Anyway, not here to blog about Wolverine (wrong place for super hero blogging isn’t it). I finished a workshop recently and it had gone well. I was pondering the session and it occurred to me that I’m good at this. Don’t know if you ever realised whilst doing something that you’re good at it. Don’t know what it is about the culture in which I grew up but there was almost a stigma against recognising what you’re good at. Others could recognise it and mention it, but it was almost a sin for you to recognise it yourself.
Yet recognising it isn’t the sin. On the contrary, I’d argue not recognising what you’re good at is the sin. If we’re all here to contribute to good life experiences and we do that in the context of community – whatever expression that takes, I’d say it’s pretty important to know how best we can make that contribution. It would be so sad to waste time doing something that you’re barely competent at, when there is something that you would excel in and bring people so much joy, pleasure, fulfilment, healing, release and that sense of an enhanced life.
How you go about finding that out is part of life’s journey – one that never ends, because just when you think its safe to assume this is your thing, something else pops up to suggest an addition or an area to take away or another direction. Being on that journey, however, is part of what can make life truly fulfilling.
Knowing what you’re good at and applying that for God’s glory in service to others is not something to be shy about as long as you recognise the source of the blessing. Knowing what you’re good at and occupying that place is not about competition (I know when you say the best it’s a comparative statement, but you can still compare it to where you could be and leave it at that). Knowing what you’re good at can allow you understand where you fit in the greater scheme of things and find a contentment based on obedience and fulfilment above other factors like the pursuit of wealth and fame.
Realising that will prevent the big-head syndrome. Realising that will allow you to keep yourself humble and use that ability to encourage others in whatever they are good at. Realising that for me has made me all the more passionate to want others to be fully enabled to express exactly what it is God has placed in them for them to acknowledge the Wolverine-Light saying …
I’m the best in the world at what I do … and what I do is like God’s creation – very good.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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