I’m in a classroom setting for the week, learning how to help people become more successful in the “who” that they are by figuring out the “how” they’ve been made. Inner talents. Those things we do naturally.
And the content is kicking my butt.
In learning about my own naturally occurring talents. I’ve discovered–wait for it–that I’m a people person.
OK, so no news there. But I’ve had some “aha” moments that have helped me understand why I do things the way I do. I tend to be positive. Not the Pollyanna, let’s-play-the-glad-game positive, but genuinely seeing the upside of situations. People don’t always think it’s real, but it is truly who I am. It’s more fun being happy than focusing on the negative. It’s part of my story. My nature.
I’m getting the vocabulary for what I’ve known about me for awhile. I’m not naturally reflective. I lead with my heart, hoping my head will eventually catch up. Which at times feels like the 
Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, looking for a brain. But feeling deeply for others has made me a better mentor, a more effective coach.
I received a compliment from one of the facilitators, who I’d worked with for over a year to get this training organized. He called me one of the smartest people he knew.
I had to make a joke of it. It didn’t sound real to me. I couldn’t buy it.
I got smacked upside the head, figuratively.
“When someone gives you a compliment, it’s meant as a gift. If you don’t accept it, you’re returning it to the store, saying you don’t want it.”
That stopped me in my tracks. He’d addressed an issue I’ve struggled with most of my life. I find it hard to accept compliments. It became glaringly obvious in the midst of a training to help me identify and encourage the growth of the natural talents of others. I’m bumping up against believing it.
We’ve all got talents that we can apply skill, knowledge and experience to grow. Allowing folks to operate from strength, finding joy in doing what they’re good at.
Even me.
God has made each of us unique, with special talents and gifts that make us different from anyone else. He took great delight in doing it, and He wants us to live life from the wonder of that skill set. Enjoying how He’s made us.
“Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous–how well I know it!” Psalm 139:14
He sees each of us as a marvelous creation. Carefully crafted by the hands of the Master. The God who created all things. Who sees beauty in what He’s made. To Him I have value. We all have value.
Guess I’m going to have to change that brain filter.
I think I just one upped the Scarecrow.
I love your closing comment about the scarecrow 🙂
You’re starting to get me.
Dayle- you have mad skills and talents!
You are a kind and compassionate friend. Do I pay you enough to say that?
Well…duh… You’re short (less than 5’2.5″) and you’re smart. But neither of these makes you as special as you are to me. Thank you for affirming us.
You, my friend, make me smile just by being you. In all your strengths and talents.
And all this time I thought you were an introverted detail oriented task person – just when you think you know someone! Ha! I have seen you dodge compliments pretty much from the first day I met you…and hopefully will see you stop. You will always be a favorite Scarecrow to me and more loved and talented than you can throw straw at! (Somehow, shaking a stick just didn’t seem right here!) Love you to the moon and back.
And to the stars and back to you, sweet Pen. You’re not any different from me in the receiving compliments arena–I’ve seen you dodge them with great dexterity.
Me too, Dayle – I find it hard to accept compliments, as well. I need to enjoy HOW HE HAS made me. Thank you for your reminder from Psalm 139:14. I better spend my time seeking HIM WHO sees value in how HE HAS made me!
Oh, my friend, it honestly makes me feel like breathing out a sigh to know that you struggle in this area with me. But God doesn’t make mistakes. Ever.
You are one of the smartest people I know!
Thanks, Mags. And you have no idea how hard that was!
I agree with your colleague. Sometimes we feel we’re getting more then we deserve. And of course you’re awesome. You’re the dragon babysitter.
We do get more than we deserve–but it comes with such grace. And Spikes and I have come to an understanding. I think I’ll actually miss his gnarly little head when he’s gone.
I love gnarly heads. Look forward to hearing more from you, Dayle.