The Gifted and Those Who Struggle

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon / evening with a friend in Seattle.  We enjoyed some great food and a brew down in Pioneer Square, then walked to the WAMU Theater for the Dream Theater concert.  What a show!

A big part of what made the day so great was the conversations he and I had about spirituality, the Gospel, politics, music and the nature of our work.  We got to talking about our professions and how we both have never been one of those people who are just gifted at what we do.  We struggle an fight in areas of our work to be successful!

We all know those people…the ones who in college barely took notes and breezed through exams like it was nothing.  They seem to be so gifted in their particular field, while the rest of us must try and stay ahead just to remain even. 

There are a number of pastors I know who fit into this category.  They learned Greek much easier…they have very strong and natural leadership skills…and, they are dynamic speakers!  I sometimes think that when God was passing out talents, I somehow got in the wrong line.

Now, don’t get me wrong…I’m not complaining.  I’ve learned to be quite content with my abilities and the fact that I may have to work harder than some at studying scripture, leading during difficult times, and being a creative teacher.  I’ve learned to enjoy the challenge…and feel that I’m a better leader / pastor because of what I’ve had to fight for. 

My friend talked about how he’s had to work so much harder to be the guitar player he is today, compared to some of his peers who are much more naturally gifted musicians.  At some point he said something that stood out to me.  He said…”I think I always want to be the underdog…there’s just something about proving to myself that I can do it.”

His statement has me thinking.  What are you gifted at…what do you struggle to be good at? Would you rather be gifted at your work, where certain things just come easy…or would you rather be one who has to work a little harder to be successful?  What value is there in being the underdog?