Doing something well

Jesus, teach me to acknowledge talents, without boasting! Amen.

After Jesus spoke in His hometown, the people there said, "Isn't He just Joseph's son?" Jesus said, "You're going to say, 'Do miracles like we heard you did in Capernaum.' But a prophet is never accepted in His own hometown." People got angry and tried to throw Him off a mountain, but Jesus escaped.

Some kids act like they can do everything perfectly. You can't talk about whether your football team is struggling this season or wonder if you'll do well on a test without them talking about how great they are -- and, worse, giving you advice!

There's a difference between boasting and acknowledging you can do something well. A kid who claims to be great at everything probably isn't, but all kids are talented in some areas.

You might be the best in your karate class and still struggle in science, or great with animals but confused in English class.

This week's Gospel (Luke 4:21-30) talks about claiming your talents. Jesus goes back to His old hometown and tells them the great stuff He's doing now, but they think He's just boasting. They haven't been paying attention to Jesus' teachings, so they don't understand He's telling the truth.

Being talented doesn't have to mean boasting and showing off. If you're good with animals, you can help other kids who are scared of animals to see why animals are great and to become less scared. If you're struggling in science, a kid who's not can help you out.

Jesus didn't get that chance in His hometown. He wasn't showing off when He called Himself a prophet (someone who knows about God), but people got as impatient as you do with a kid who boasts. Instead of letting Him help them, they sent Him away.

It's a good thing you know it's okay to acknowledge someone's talents!