These talents are not always the black and white of the simple terms of our language. Smart, for example can mean a huge variety of things. Creative is another attribute that comes in a variety of forms. Yet no matter which talents each person has, when brought to the group, the group is strengthened by this variety.
Last night my husband and I joined friends at a place called Escape Room. It is a live action game; locked in a room you have to find clues and solve puzzles to find the code that unlocks the door... in less than an hour.
It was such a fun and mentally stimulating game! And it was neat to see which talents each of us brought to the table to help complete our task. (Which we did in fifty-three minutes, not bad for our first time.)
My mind was searching patterns, what numbers were missing from random things around the room or what numbers might come next in a series. Several friends were better at the observation aspect of what was out of place while still others were better at seeking hidden places. And my husband, always the critical thinker and problem solver did an amazing job at thinking outside the box.
I won't go into detail for those wanting to try this game themselves. But today my gratitude comes from seeing all the pieces of the puzzle, and I don't mean the game. I have always been aware that our different strengths are important and make us stronger but seeing it in action was truly empowering for me.
I have struggled recently with feeling like I have lost some of my intelligence (and vocabulary!) from a combination of a concussion I suffered last year as well as lack of use I'm sure. Having grown up identifying with being "smart" I was missing that title even while I know I have more knowledge in other areas, such as psychology, now.
Last night showed me that I am still "smart" just in a newly defined way but also that I haven't lost as much of that critical thinking as I thought I had. Yet what I was more grateful to see was that "smart" is a lacking label because we are all so smart in our own fields and talents.
I'm grateful to have had a fun and mentally stimulating night out with friends. I'm grateful to regain confidence in my abilities. I'm grateful to see how each talents helps the team. I'm grateful to have such fun friends and to explore our combined talents together. I'm grateful for places like Escape Room that have unique entertainment. I'm grateful for the level of love and acceptance I found for myself last night. And I'm grateful to be married to a man that is so funny, smart, and kind that is willing to think outside the box in more ways than just the game.
What are some of your unique talents? What strengths do you bring to the team? I bet if you asked those around you, you bring even more than you realize.
May today show you just how important your talents are to this life. May you feel love in knowing you are part of the team. Have a beautiful day!