Three people have opportunities to serve. Two take what they are given and flourish while the third leaves the opportunity buried. Two succeed while one wastes their chance. Two find and discover talents they never knew and succeed far beyond anything they imagined. One kept the treasure buried and never got a chance to see what could be accomplished. 

 Mrs. Comstock was a huge influence on my life. Who was a Mrs. Comstock for you?

 All of us are born with dreams and talents. Some are encouraged and flourish. Some flourish on their own. Some lack encouragement and some continue to bury what God has given them.

 To make a successful life:

Become more aware of your dreams, desires and talents and value them as life itself

Take steps to develop them further, beginning in very small ways

Seek coaching and help to make those dreams, desires and talents grow

This is not about results as much as it is learning to follow your God-given path

Look for the opportunity to encourage the dreams, desires and talents of others

 The choice, I believe, is always before us, every day. We are given a heart full of treasure and talent, feelings and desires. In short, potential realities. God has granted to us a heart, mind, and soul full of potential realities for whatever our situation might be, such as:

A relationship

A career

Being part of a neighborhood or community, or wherever we find ourselves

A fulfilling hobby or skill

Service and volunteering for a good cause

Church and spiritual pursuits

Creative pursuits

 It is our job to dig up whatever potential we have in whatever situation we are in, and then to invest it and see it grow. The choice is whether we are going to allow fear and experiences to keep our potential buried or choose to step out in faith and see that potential turn into reality.

 How does the story of Dan Barker inspire you in better digging up your gifts and talents and in using those abilities to help others?