Writing On The Fine Line

I’m currently in a binge reading moment. I cannot get enough of Dean Koontz’ Odd Thomas series of books. Today I started the fifth book in the series, Odd Apocalypse.

Odd is blessed with some unusual talents. He can:

• See the lingering dead.

• “Find” people with his psychic magnetism (the ability to think of someone, drive or walk aimlessly around, and be taken to that person).
• Foresee tragic events.

Near the beginning of Book Five, Odd suggests that he would return the gift of supernatural sight. However, he fears appearing ungrateful. But then notes that:

Every talent is unearned, however, and with it comes a solemn obligation to use it as fully and as wisely as possible. If I didn’t believe in the miraculous nature of talent and in the sacred duty of the recipient, by now I would have gone so insane that I’d qualify for numerous high government positions.

Yeah, Oddie is a sarcastic guy, but I get him. And in the case of the use of talents, I agree. As do other scholars and sources.

But there’s also similar advice, wisdom, to be found in the Bible. In
1 Peter 4:7-10, there’s a passage that could have been an inspiration to Sir Odd.

“We are coming to the end of all things, so be serious and keep your wits about you in order to pray more forcefully. Most of all, love each other steadily and unselfishly, because love makes up for many faults. Show hospitality to each other without complaint. Use whatever gift you’ve received for the good of one another so that you can show yourselves to be good stewards of God’s grace in all its varieties.”

1 Peter 4:7-10 (The Voice)

Hide it under a bushel?

Growing up, my Sunday school experience included learning the song “This Little Light of Mine.” (You’re already hearing it, aren’t you?) In the song, the “little light” it refers to is the spark of Jesus within. And I’m not denying that. But I believe a case can be made that the “spark” within also includes the gifts and talents we’re given and how we use and develop them.

After all it was Jesus who told The Parable of the Talents, about the importance of multiplying and investing the talents we’re given, recognizing the unique abilities given to us. One of my gifts, for instance, is the ability to communicate. Another is my “calling” to eat bacon.

I was given some natural abilities, but I’ve also done a lot of work to cultivate and develop those abilities. You have too, even if your gifts are different.

There are lots of versions for lyrics to This Little Light of Mine, but this is the one I grew up with (your mileage may vary.)

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine (3x)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine (3x)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won’t let Satan (blows) it out, I’m gonna let it shine. (3x)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine ’til Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine. (3x)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Author  Harry D. Loes- © Public Domain

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Talk back: What talents do you have and how do you use them?

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Michael Ehret loves to play with words. He is the author of the novella “Big Love” and the new novel, “Beyond December.” He is enjoying his current playground. Previous playgrounds include being the Managing Editor of the magazine ACFW Journal and the ezine Afictionado for seven years. He also plays with words as a freelance editor and has edited several nonfiction books, proofedited for Abingdon Press, worked in corporate communications, and reported for The Indianapolis Star.