Becoming an Expert

Everyone has a talent; what is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.

~ Erica Jong

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What is an expert? Webster dictionary defines an expert as "One with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject."

On the lighter side, I have heard a jest definition of an expert as someone who wears a suit and lives fifty miles away. This definition corresponds to the biblical passage from Matthew 13:57: "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." Most people would have you believe that you have to be an outsider to be taken as an expert. I disagree. I believe that each and every one of us has the potential to be an expert at something, regardless of where we live. I say this because I've have the opportunity to meet with some incredibly brilliant, successful men and women right here in my hometown. These people are definitely experts.

God has given each and every one of us talents. These talents are gifts from God. For some of us, our talents are readily noticeable; others may have to do some soul searching to find their gifts. Sometimes we don't recognize our talents until we figure out our purpose in life. Once you have recognized your talents, your gift back to God is the perfection of these talents. If we diligently perfected our talents, in due time, we should be considered an expert.

It has been said, "If you were devote an extra hour a day studying in your field, you would be a national expert in less than five years." Think about it: one hour a day, 360 hours a year, 1800 hours over five years to be considered an expert. If you figure that there is 43,800 hours in a five year time period, 1800 hours seems like a small investment of time to be considered an expert.

Take some time today to thank God for the talents he has given to you. Next, make a serious commitment that you will spend time to perfect your talents. Who knows, maybe someday you'll be called an "Expert."

Remember there will never be another April 9, 2008 so make sure, you make the best of it!

It's your life; live it, love it, & celebrate it!

MJD