Tip of My Iceberg

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.