by Glynnis Hayward

Created on: December 14, 2009   Last Updated: December 26, 2009

Regardless of creed or culture, people are born with varied gifts, skills, abilities and talents that become increasingly apparent as infants grow into adults.  However despite all the differences, there is much commonality that, if used wisely for the greater good, would promote harmony in the world. 

TALENT, SKILLS, VISION AND CO-OPERATION

Great talent can be blinding with its brilliance, but it doesn't exist in isolation.  Consider the glorious Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.  It is overwhelming when you consider its immensity, age and beauty as well as the difficulty of the undertaking.  Imagine trying to paint a ceiling so far up from the ground without modern conveniences like electricity to supply light and warmth.   The world would have been a poorer place if Michelangelo had not painted the ceiling of this chapel, but undoubtedly his work was a community effort.  If the great artist had not enjoyed the patronage of Popes and  the wealthy Medici family, he would not have been able to practice his craft and we would not be able to appreciate his work today.  Likewise, if curators and art restorers had not played their parts in preserving his work, it would have been lost to us by the ravages of time.  Many throughout the ages contributed something for which we should be thankful when we're filled with awe looking at masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel.  It took more than talent; it took the wise use of wealth by patrons as well as their belief in the artist; it took determination to persevere despite grueling work conditions on the part of the artist; and it has taken dedication and learning on the part of custodians ever since to restore and preserve the work. 

These are lessons we can use in our lives; if you have skills and talent, use them and share them; if you have money to help someone who is without, or to help someone fulfill a dream, do so; if you have a vision of creativity, pursue it.   Co-operate and sometimes a masterpiece is born.

TIME, KINDNESS AND COMPASSION

Life is not only about greatness; don't under-estimate the value of the smallest contributions.   In a sermon given at Saint Andrew's Church in Saratoga, California, the Reverend Channing Smith spoke of a young woman who came from a homeless background and yet, despite lack of support and appreciation from her dysfunctional family, she earned the honor of being the valedictorian at her high school. 

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