C.H.I. reading
All Used Up
Quoted words below are attributed in the source. The surrounding reflection is from the classroom C.H.I. files; the whole piece is not credited to one author.
A well-known surgeon was attending a dinner party and watched the host adroitly carve and slice the large turkey for his guests. When he finished slicing, the host asked: “How did I do, Doc? I think I’d make a pretty good surgeon, don’t you?” “Perhaps,” said the physician. “But anyone can take them apart. Now let’s see you put it back together again.” Like surgery, some tasks require special talent, skill or training. Not everyone can be a surgeon. Many do not have the aptitude to teach or repair an automobile, nor can most of us cook a gourmet meal, play the piano expertly, nor solve a complex mathematical problem. But we can each contribute.
Spanish cellist Pablo Casals said: “Don’t be vain because you happen to have talent. You are not responsible for that; it was not of your doing. What you do with your talent is what matters.”
On the other hand, don’t be discouraged because you believe you have no ability. Each of us has much to offer. What you do with the ability you have is what matters. Erma Bombeck was known for her humorous journalism. But she frequently seasoned her humor with pinches of wisdom. At the end of a newspaper column on March 10, 1987 (Detroit Free Press), Erma wrote these words:
I always had a dream that when I am asked to give an accounting of my life to a higher court, it will go like this: ‘So, empty your pockets. What have you got left of your life? Any dreams that were unfulfilled? Any unused talent that we gave you when you were born that you still have left? Any unsaid compliments or bits of love that you haven’t spread around?’ And I will answer, “I’ve nothing to return. I spent everything you gave me. I’m as naked as the day I was born.”
Do you still have some encouragement that you haven’t spread around? Do you have ability you have not used up? Do you still have some bits of love to share? If you were asked to empty your pockets today, will you find them half-full? Or will you discover that you have joyously spent everything you were given?