free to be

Living your strengths.

Kyle came home one day recently and handed me a book given to him by Jim. I flipped it over a time or two trying to size it up. Being a lover of books, especially of those that claim to get inside your head, I decided to give it a go and opened up to the first page:

This is what I read:
The Gallup Organizations's 2002 national study of congregation memebers revealed that most people (53%) do not strongly agree with the statement:
"In my congregation, I regularly have the opportunity to do what I do best".

Page one and already, that one simple statement stopped me.
"in my congregation, I regularly have the opportunity to do...

Growing up, at least in my early years, there was always the small handful of do-ers...and then there was the rest of us. ;) Church was a quiet, passive place. A place to sit and to stand and to pray with your eyes closed. People didn't know my name much less care what skills or gifts I might have. And honestly, I was good with that. Personally, I didn't care much about the woman beside me either. It wouldn't have even occured to me that I should be doing something. At confession I told my sins to the priest behind a screen so that he wouldn't have to look into my dirty, sinful eyes. :) I definitely got the vibe early on that there was nothing 'megan' brought to the table in a religious or spiritual sense.
My place was on the pew.
eyes closed.
Fortunately these things changed as I grew a bit older and started to attend a different church but nonetheless, it is a reality for many.

The second part of the statment: how does what I do best apply to my "congregation"?

What does that mean exactly? I guess I define 'what I do' by my chosen career and I feel nearly 110% certain that my congregation doesn't want me sending them off to meet Jesus every weekend. (Don't read too much into that...yes, they all want to be with Him and walk the streets of gold but, let's be serious) I'd have no friends at all. The problem? I'm not even sure I know how to answer, when asked 'what is it you do best?'

I do know that I don't sing, don't teach, I'm not great with organizing events--or at least I wouldn't know for sure because I haven't ever tried. The truth is, for as much introspection as I've done I'm still a little perplexed when it comes to applying the things that make me, me, to the benefit of a church body or community. I have a good handle on my weaknesses. The things I wish I could be, do, or say.
Which, according to this book is how most everyone operates. You might agree.

So I read the first chapter and took the strengths finder tests. I was surprised. And just the fact that I was surprised, surprised me. I thumbed through the book and read about a few other strengths (the ones that I didn't get) and found myself getting jealous. Again, seeing my weaknesses in what might be another's strengths, wishing I was something 'other than' instead of me.
What is that?!

Today, after church there was a little lump of us who were standing together talking about this book and the test. It was fascinating to listen to each person talk about what their strengths were. There was a buzz; an energy to the conversation and I walked away feeling excited about all that is to come. The wind is blowing; could it be possible for each of us to truly do what we each do best? The next few chapters of this book are application; what I wonder, will that look like?

Obviously we don't take these tests to give ourselves a self righteous pat on the back. No one is interested in knowing one's strengths or skills just for the sake of knowing. Rather, the purpose of any of this--the book, the test, the conversation is to propel us out into the world, to serve others and to honor Christ with our lives and our ministry. What you do best, is different from me. And for once, I might be okay with that. ;)