Our community library author series welcomed Mitch Albom last week. His new book, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, reminds us about the power of talent to change the world. During his entertaining presentation, Albom explained that each one of us have talent, but we need to be inspired to develop it. This quote stood out:
Books can change your life. Music can change your life. All kinds of things can change your life, if you let them. Even a book of matches has to be sparked by something else. Talent has to be ignited, too.
Here are related thoughts to ponder:
“…if you let them.” What opportunities were presented to us but we failed to follow through? What people, experiences or ideas might have changed our lives if we considered them more deeply? In what ways are we standing in our own way? How are we avoiding or deflecting life-changing things?
“…be sparked by something else.” Picture a book of matches lying on a table. It takes the friction against another object to serve their true purpose and spark a fire. In what ways do we serve as that spark for others? As parents, how to we ignite curiosity and love of learning in our children? As neighbors, how do we light the way to strong community? As leaders, how do we spark the development of the talents our followers have?
Later in his presentation, Albom said:
Everyone has their own particular talent and it should be celebrated.
“…it should be celebrated.” Think about the people around you; children, neighbors and friends, co-workers and team members. There is some talent that each person has. How often do we take the time to discover just what that talent is? In what way can it be celebrated? Imagine the difference we could make by acknowledging, encouraging, and honoring those unique gifts.
Albom reminded us to also look inward and develop our own talents.
If you find your talent and practice it, you are as great as anyone else with a talent.
“…find your talent and practice it…” There are two parts to this. We need to be responsible for finding our talent. This means being aware and open to the spark provided by the people and experiences in our lvies. Then practice, practice, practice. It is a gift to the world to continually develop and share our unique gifts.
“…you’re as great as anyone else…” How often do we compare ourselves to other people and then fall victim to our own insecurities? We are all different and different is good. Just as the individual notes on a piano are different, beautiful music happens when they are played together. The more it is practiced, the more beautiful the music becomes. But, take away one note, one scale, or one verse and it just would not be the same.
If you ever have the chance to see Mitch Albom in person, take advantage of the opportunity. He is an amazing storyteller, combining his many talents to share his life experiences and the lessons learned along the way. In the meantime, I can’t wait to read his new book!
