Fix Weaknesses or Develop Strengths?

I got this as a forward message from my aunt.


"Subject: Fix Weaknesses or Develop Strengths?

We all need to be reminded of our differences & strengths. MillyFix Weaknesses or Develop Strengths?This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you..."-1 Timothy 4:14

The following parable (author unknown) shares the story of a school for animals:
The school was to include classes in swimming, climbing, flying and running. All the animals were required to take all of the classes. The duck was good in swimming and he was pretty fair in flying but he was just terrible in running. As a result, the duck was forced to drop his swimming class and stay after school so he could practice his running. He kept this up until he was only average in swimming but average was okay and that was acceptable and the others were no longer threatened by his swimming abilities. Everyone felt more comfortable, except the duck.

The eagle was somewhat of a problem student from the very beginning. In climbing, the eagle beat everyone to the top of the tree, but did it in her own way. She flatly refused to climb the tree and had to be severely disciplined. She was so uncooperative in swimming classes that she finally had to be kicked out of the class.

The rabbit started at the top of the class in running, but was obviously not up to speed in other areas. In fact, the rabbit almost broke its leg trying to fly by using its ears as wings. The rabbit had so much make-up work to do in swimming that it had a nervous breakdown and had to drop out.

Sadly, the turtle was a failure in almost everything. The turtle's shell was considered to be the primary cause of this dismal performance, so it was removed. This helped the turtle's running a bit, but unfortunately, it became the first casualty of the school when stepped on by the horse. By the end of the school year, there were no real successes. It seemed that all the animals were either average, sick, or dead.

God has given each one of us certain gifts and abilities, certain strengths and weaknesses. The question becomes which do we focus our efforts on, fixing our weaknesses or developing our strengths? Without doubt, there are some life skills that are important to become competent in - and if we find we are weak in those skills - we should make an effort to improve. Yet, as the parable teaches us - if we primarily focus on fixing our weaknesses - we may end up wasting the strengths God has given us to be used for His glory!

Today, I challenge you to spend some time working to develop your strengths! God has creatively designed you with those strengths. Thank God for them! Use them!

Lost Tanner

On Friday Ryan and I went to church for church activity - Ward Luau. When the activity ended, we were talking to other Ward members. Suddenly we realized Tanner was not at the Culture Hall where the activity was held. Tanner was playing with other kids. Then we asked other members if they see a three-year old Chinese boy. We walked around the chapel. Then a lady found him. She said she heard someone banging on the door. It sounded like he went to his Nursery Classroom.

Today my mother-in-law and I went to Kohls Department Store. For those who have been there know Kohls' shopping carts can fit a toddler in the front. When we went to the store, Tanner did not want to sit in the shopping carts. We put Mandy car seat on the shopping cart. Tanner pushed an empty shopping cart and walked besides us. My mother-in-law and I were looking for clothes. Suddenly we realized Tanner was not next to us. We walked around and yelled Tanner. The staff at the store asked us to stand at Customer Service Desk, so they can brought Tanner to us when he is found. When I followed my mother-in-law to the Customer Service Desk, I was surprised to see Tanner was sitting on the shopping cart. He did not response when my mother-in-law and I yelled Tanner earlier. Less than half hour, my mother-in-law and I lost Tanner again. This time is real. Thanks to Kohls' staff, we found him in couple minutes.

My friend Lisa was holding Mandy (Mandalei nickname). Usually Ryan and I are invited to potluck with our Chinese friends couple times a year. Everyone brings a dish. This time is different. The host hired a couple to cook all the food which no guest knew ahead of time about the quality and quantity of food available. This is the first time we had crab at potluck as well.

Mandy is beautiful. She always smiles. She is 5 months old today and weighs 14 lbs.