What's your Talent?

I was sitting in the kitchen with the Spy (my 5-year-old boy) a few weeks ago, and we were discussing food. He commented that his oldest brother is the best griller in the world. I responded that, yes, he is  indeed good at that. The Spy then said, "That's his talent." Hmmm... I was impressed.

I asked if he knew what a talent was. He responded, "A talent is what you are good at doing."

It was so clear in his mind, so I pressed him for more information. I wanted to know what he thought his talent was.  "I am good at jumping. Really high, and off of high things."  I had to agree. The boy has a knack for that. James Bond ain't got nuthin' on my Spy.

And then I asked what he thinks his father's talent is. "Daddy's talent is loving you, Mommy." My heart melted. I was so thrilled he could see that in the way his father looks at me and cares for me. I know that will play a huge part in how he treats his wife.

Next was the Garden Shadow (his 2yo little sister). I had to know what he saw as her talent. "Her talent is biting." We won't go in to details on this. I think you get the picture.

I then asked, "And what is Mimi's talent?" He quickly replied, "Mom, Mimi is just an old lady, they don't have talents."

Don't worry. I didn't leave it at that. We did discuss the fact that age doesn't play a part in talents. But I was amazed that he would think that. Out of the mouth of babes...

We went through the whole family. Then, finally, I asked what I had been dying to know. I selfishly wanted to know what this precious little boy thought that my talent was. "Mommy, your talent is cooking. You cook really good food." Sweet, right?! I smiled, hugged him, and told him how I loved to cook good food for him and family and friends, and I was glad that he liked my cooking.

But deep down, I was convicted. Convicted that the first thing that came to my youngest son's mind as being my talent was cooking and not loving.

Christ did not call me to be a good cook.

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