“We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy . . . ministry. . . teaching . . . exhortation . . . generosity . . . leadership, diligence, compassion and cheerfulness.” Romans 12:1-8

In my post of March 18, 2018, I spoke of Howard Gardner’s classic book – Frames of Mind.  As individuals, we have varied levels of competence with different skill sets.  I have reasonable eye/hand coordination which allows me to play a passable game of golf. I perform magic, play the guitar and speak Spanish. But don’t ask me for directions.  And do not ask me about algebra.  I have the mathematical I.Q. of a chipmunk (I’m sure I’m insulting some very nice chipmunks).

Howard Gardner in his classic book Frames of Mind spoke of seven basic intelligences that all people share:  linguistic; musical; logical/mathematical; spatial; bodily/kinesthetic; interpersonal; and intrapersonal.   While everyone has a modicum of each of these seven intelligences, some folks are more heavily endowed with one or more of these capabilities (think Mozart, Michael Jordan or Einstein).  It thus becomes important for parents to recognize – and nurture – the natural abilities of children rather than skew development with subjective expectation.

It is also important for each one of us to recognize our personal areas of talent. Our gifts. Our special abilities. And use them to help others. And just maybe — to make the world a better place. . . . .