Reflections

It was one of my new year resolutions to restore my relationship with GOD, among other things. Somehow, at the back of my mind, this has always been the missing link in the things that i have been doing. While i might claim to have been a very staunch christian while i was growing up, along the way i backslided quite a bit. And restoring my relationship with GOD has always been on my mind and yet, something that i never went about making a conscious effort. I suppose there is a time and place for everything. And everything happens for a reason.
In the past couple of months, i have been struggling with issues that have been bugging me and turned my life topsy turvy. And i am ashamed to say, that it was only in my greatest time of need did i look to GOD for an answer. For the non believers who are reading this, you might scoff and laugh at what i am writing. But for the believer in you, i am really thankful and greatful to GOD for giving me an answer and shedding me light when i felt there was none. It didn't make my problems and issues magically disappear or solved. But with his strength and support, i am sure there is no problem too big that i cannot solve with his help.
It was in particular two bible versus that got me thinking, plus words of encouragement from friends and family. All of us have GOD given gifts and talents. Some of us are very good in sports, some of us are very intelligent. Some of us are great at fixing things, at being a teacher, a coach. Some people are great chefs, fantastic singer. Some people are great in doing big tasks, see the big picture most of the time, while others are good at the little things, acts of thoughtfulness and extremely detailed. And this is reflected in the following 2 bible versus. The parable of the Talents.
In the parable, as told by Matthew and Luke, different people were given different amounts of gold coins and asked to do as much as possible with them. And each came back with different results. As with the the parable, all the gifts and talents we have today are gifts from GOD. Our gifts and talents are likened to the gold coins. And since we do have these gold coins, we can simply do our best to trade them and gain more coins or to allow these gifts, these golden coins to multiply, just like the first and second servant did in Jesus' parable. The gold coin in itself is not a reward, but a responsibility and obligation. The servant that received 5 talents gained 5 more after putting his talents to work. The servant that received 2 talents gained two more. While the man who received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
When the master came back, and asked for an account of his talents, he said to the first and second servant: Wel done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. To the last servant who dug the hole in the ground, he said; Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talnets. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.
Interestingly, it was a person called Matthew that brought my attention to this parable. I am not a pastor nor have i gone through any bible study classes. In fact, i will merely interpret the parable in my own layman's manner. And i suppose the gist of it all is that, each of us, meaning ME included, have received something from GOD. Be it a small talent or big talent, i did receive something. And it would be a waste to dig a hole and keep it there, when i could probably go on out and do more with what was given to me. And if i had received only 1 talent, i would like to make 1 more. Then i have 2, and i would like to make 2 more. And it goes on and on. I suppose, with the geometric progression (i think), at some point of time, i would have many talents.
Anyway, interpret this parable any way you want. But i am glad that this person told me this story and i picked up my bible and read the parable and prayed on it. It might not be the most perfect of interpretations, but i guess it'll do for now.

Matthew 25:14-29
Luke 19: 11-26

Have i figured it all out yet? Well, slowly but surely i am. And i'm positive things will all work out eventually. I leave you with two songs that i adored as a child.