Saturday, September 23, 2017

If You've Got It, Play It



Jeff—Saturday

My post last week—drum roll—on the meaning of life, received such a robust welcome that I’m a bit lost as to where to go this week. Many wrote to me asking that I do something “like it” again.  Trust me, if I knew how to do it again I would.  Frankly, I didn’t even know I did it, when I did it.  I just did it.

Which got me to thinking.  Why do so many of us think that what comes easily to us, must come easily to everyone else? The natural corollary to that sort of thinking is that what comes so effortlessly cannot possibly be as meaningful as what does not.  For example, some know precisely what colors and patterns work well together, while others can’t even match black shoes with black socks.  Some can whistle a complex tune with perfect pitch, while others can barely blow their noses. Two unique skills, each too often taken for granted by its possessor.


Then there are writers who breeze through complex narrative portrayals, all the while dreading the eventual paragraphs of dialog to come.  And the artist genius with pen and ink that shrinks at the thought of touching oil to canvas. They, as well as those tortured by the opposite dilemmas, all thinking that what comes so easily to them is not as valued by society as that which does not.


I’m not meaning to suggest that one should not work hard toward mastering the more difficult aspects of one one’s chosen craft, but in seeking to master a skill set you find difficult, do not do so to the neglect of enhancing your natural gifts.  In other words, play to your strengths. 


Yes, we all admire and respect those who persevere and succeed in mastering the most challenging aspects of their work, but what of the many who lose patience in the struggle, become frustrated, and simply give up, sacrificing the potential of their natural gifts in the process.


Each of us has gifts meant for us to develop, nurture, and exploit.  If we pursue what we think is more valued by society, to the neglect of what we’re blessed with, we’re playing into the strengths of those who possess the very gifts we lack.  Our energies should be directed toward successfully competing through our strengths.

It’s like a five-foot-tall natural born jockey who, instead of racing, chooses to compete against seven-foot giants in basketball.  The outcome will assuredly be as unsatisfying for the jockey, as it would be for a seven-footer who decides charging for the finish line astride thoroughbreds is a better choice than heading for the hoop in a pair of Air Jordans.


Bottom Line: “Play the cards you’re dealt.”  But play them well.

That’s all for this week’s sermon…except to say, L’Shanah Tovah, y’all.



–—Jeff

13 comments:

  1. Wait, whu-uh-ut? Black socks go with black shoes??? That's so pedestrian (heh). I thought florescent orange and green plaid socks with powder-blue tap shoes was the perfect match.

    I guess it's a good thing I let Sharon undress me. Err... I mean dress me. Yeah, that, too.

    'Nother great sermon, Reverend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bless you, my...err....son. In your case, EvKa, I think the tougher question for all concerned is what sort of argyles go best with your sandals.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wise words, Jeff. It seems to be something about being human that makes us want the things we don't have. And maybe can't have.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sure does seem that way, Michael, and it's inspired a legion of marketers of everything but common sense.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can anyone tell me where I can get a Pet Rock? I need a new one since my previous one died...

      Delete
    2. Amazing how you just roll right along after learning rock is dead.

      Delete
    3. In tune with the title of your column, "If You've Got It, Play It," and speaking of rock being dead, I should let you know that my first Pet Rock lived as long as it did because I would daily play for it its favorite rock album: The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds.

      Delete
    4. Or possibly just to spite you for the years of inflicted audio pain!

      Delete
  5. I am good at everything. It makes life very difficult knowing what to do next, as I am superb in all things.
    Especially fibbing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Caro: the Alt-Title for Jeff's column was "If you've got it, flaunt it." Carry on.

      Delete
    2. No argument from me on that score, Caro.

      Delete
  6. A good reminder for us all -- I like these topics you've tackled the last couple of weeks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just felt it was the right time to say those sorts of things. Next week we'll return to the comic books and politics...as if there's a difference.

      Delete