So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
– Romans 14:12

 
As Jason stood in my office, I was caught off guard by his body language. Usually a high energy guy, he was listless. Never at a loss for words, Jason was quiet. The look on his face told me he was struggling. Though a gifted athlete and a great kid, Jason had never quite reached his full potential. As his coach, I had encouraged him and even pushed him to give his best on and off the field with marginal success. With so much natural talent, Jason often coasted through workouts and  it was routine for him to avoid the weight room during off season. In the classroom, he was a “C” student, but his teachers always said he was capable of so much more. Missed assignments and unnecessary absences were not unusual. In the final semester of his senior year, Jason was now facing a hard reality. He could have accomplished so much more. Maybe he could have gotten a college scholarship. Maybe he could have attended the state university rather than having to settle for the local community college. Jason had come into my office looking regret square in the eyes, hoping his coach could change the inevitable. I could do nothing! There was no going back to retrieve the lost opportunities.

God tells us that every one of us will one day stand before Him. I have often contemplated what that conversation will be like. Scripture says that we have been given specific gifts and that God has unique plans for those gifts. Some are blessed with the ability to paint beautiful pictures. Others are talented speakers and communicators. God has filled the world with amazing musicians, engineers, athletes and coaches. Personally, I’m more concerned about talking with God about the talents I didn’t use than the talents I did use! I think about watching a movie with God about what my life could have looked like had I used my talents to the fullest. What could I have done for God’s Kingdom if I had not settled for average? Would the lives of others have been different had I not missed assignments or neglected opportunities God put in my path? I don’t want to be like Jason in my office when it’s my turn to stand before God. What a shame it will be if more time is spent discussing lost opportunities rather than victories for Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You have blessed me with. Help me to use them today and every day for Your glory. Amen.