“For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.” (D&C 82:3) The Lord has asked us to develop and use our talents. If we don’t continue to use our talents after we have developed them, he will take them away. It is an ongoing process that must continue throughout our lives.
Consider the parable of the talents given in Matthew 25 (Matthew 25:14-30). The servant, who was given five talents, developed five more talents. The servant, who was given two talents, developed two more talents. The servant, who was given one talent, went and hid his talent. When the Lord returned the two servants who had multiplied their talents were blessed. The Lord took away the talent from the servant who had hidden it. The Lord wants us to use our talents. He wants us to become better people by using what he has given us. He wants to bless us for our faithfulness.
Last weekend I was in Deseret Book and I came upon a children’s book called Practicing for Heaven by Brad Wilcox & Wendee Wilcox Rosborough. This book really helped put some things into perspective for me. In this book a boy named David is frustrated with the piano because it’s really difficult to learn to play the piano without making mistakes. His mom helps him understand that making mistakes is a part of the learning process. David’s mom also helps him to understand more about the Atonement: Christ has paid the price so that we can learn and improve. We aren’t earning our way to heaven. We’re practicing for heaven, and Christ is willing to help us every step of the way.
I just love that perspective. What a beautiful message. We are “practicing for heaven”. We aren’t earning our way to heaven. We are practicing for the day when we are able to return to heaven. When I think of it that way, it somehow seems more bearable. Learning something new can be challenging and scary. Through the Atonement, Christ will help us develop new talents. Not only will he help us develop new talents, but also he will bless us as we use those talents.
Sisters, we know that there are many of you who have piano skills. We also know that we have sisters of various skills levels on the piano. We would love to give all of you the opportunity to play the piano in Relief Society. What better place to practice your skills than amongst your sisters and friends? It’s the perfect place to use those skills as you “practice for heaven”. Please sign up to play the piano in Relief Society. We want to hear all of you. We want to be blessed by your varying skills. I’m sure that there are many who feel the same way I do. When I hear a song played on the piano, I feel completely at peace. The Spirit often overwhelms me when I hear the piano. It is not a skill that I have taken the time to develop, but I am grateful for those who have developed that talent. Hearing the piano is “music to my ears”. Please sign up on the google doc to play in Relief Society. We would love to hear from you!
I’ve been thinking a lot lately of my own personal experience with the piano. When I was young, my mom signed me up for piano lessons. I didn’t enjoy taking lessons and all I did was complain. My poor mother had to hear my constant complaining about the piano. We had the missionaries over for dinner one night. One of the missionaries told me how cool it was to play the piano and that I should stick with it. He had not stuck with the piano and as he’d gotten older he had regretted that decision. As a young girl I didn’t really listen to what he was saying, because I hated the piano. I eventually convinced my mom to allow me to quit piano lessons. And here I am today thinking of that missionary’s words. I chose to hide the talent of playing the piano and I definitely lost my skills through the years. I hope to try to play the piano ago someday soon. That is a talent that has been lost and I want to pick that back up. But honestly, I’m a little afraid to start. It’s been a long time and I don’t know what I’m doing. But I would like to learn the piano again so that I can “practice for heaven”. Who’s with me? Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, lets all do this together. Lets use that glorious talent of playing the piano. I can’t wait to hear all of you share your skills in Relief Society!
