An Audience of One
Something I’ve been doing almost every night for the last several months is playing a card game right before I go to bed. I’ve found that it helps to quiet my mind and silence the million-and-one thoughts that try to flood in right when it’s time to lay down. Well, a little over a week ago I decided I wanted to play Scrabble instead. So, I whipped out my game board, pulled my seven tiles, and enjoyed a great game… all by myself!
One of the nights I was obviously more tired than I realized and ended up waking up with the board game still lying right next to me! Not only did I think it was hilarious that I fell asleep in the middle of playing the game, but I also thought it was impressive that all the tiles were still in place! Laughing at myself, I decided to snap a quick pic and share it with a few of my family members. I got three HAHAs and one SMH. That was good enough for me!
Last night I did it again… I fell asleep right in the middle of the game! This time, however, I still had half the tiles left in the bag. So, what did I do? I woke up and finished the game! This was even more hysterical to me, so, what did I do? Yep… I snapped a pic and shared it with the same family members. I even mentioned to them how I woke up and finished the game. This time, the family member who had previously shook their head asked, “Who plays Scrabble by themself?” My response… “Someone who always wins!”
How many things are we not winning at in life because we only want to do them in front of an audience? How many opportunities have we foregone because no one would do it with us? How many of our gifts, talents, and abilities are still underdeveloped because there hasn’t been anyone there to watch us?
If God has given you a gift of teaching, don’t wait for a classroom full of students. Teach yourself! If you’ve been given a gift of prophecy, don’t sit around waiting on a word for someone else. Prophesy to yourself! If God has blessed you with a beautiful singing voice, don’t wait for a packed stadium. Sing to yourself! If you have a flair for fashion, don’t stay in your PJs all day. Get dressed up for yourself!
It’s what we do when no one is looking that prepares us for when someone is. It’s what we do alone on the back side of the mountain that equips us for when we’re brought to the forefront. It’s the small victories we win in silence that builds our confidence to fight the war. There is nothing that can prevent you from doing what you believe God has called you to do if you are willing to do it for an audience of one.
Leave a comment below to share something you do without an audience that’s helping to develop your gifts, talents, and abilities.
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