Just Do What You Are Good At

Just do what you are good at.

These are the words I heard while preparing for Mass this morning. It is that time of the year when folks wonder, “What do I take from the last year,” and “What do I leave behind?” I am still not certain which of those choices I consider most important. Both, I suppose.

But as I move through what it means to be committed to living a life focused on fiat, I keep coming back to the same question – “What am I supposed to be doing?” Not in the general. Not in the day-to-day. But towards my purpose. Or whatever that means.

I am not sure if this simple command to “Just do what you are good at” is a breakthrough or no. But it is close enough to something that feels like it could be one that I am willing to go with it. 

My first ridiculous query was, “But that seems too simple,” as if the things I am good at are naturally simple. In fact, they are not. My abilities seem, if not easier, at least more possible because, whether by talent or training, I am capable of them. Why equip me with them if I were not expected to use them?

The only answer I could consider to this question is the risk of hubris and talent abuse. Fortunately, in this area, I am self-aware. First, I have never taken my abilities with nouns and verbs, both written and spoken, as too grand or for granted. While I do not practice self-deprecation in this capacity, neither do I think I am unqualified for the task. Second, I am also fully aware, at least in theory, of the opposite truth. I am one of the most dreadful singers I know. It truly is awful. And, while I am wholesomely jealous of those who possess this gift, I understand the design. If I could sing, I am certain I would be a hideous person, the epitome of a diva, a complete narcissist. While I have my faults, this would most assuredly magnify them to full-out character flaws for which I could neither ask for nor receive forgiveness. 

Fine, “use the gifts you are given” works, but shouldn’t the thing you do in service of your purpose be more challenging? Doesn’t service lie inside the struggle? This answer is “no.” Moreover, the question is all wrong. To assume uniformity in the structure of fulfillment of one’s purpose is ludicrous, likewise, to assume the feeling of the person going through that fulfillment. It is obviously true that some people were called to do very hard things. I cannot help but think that a kind and gracious God allows for special graces in those circumstances: Noah and his carpentry skills, Moses with his speech, Mary as immaculate. 

Do what you are good at, remain self-aware, move towards, and lean into your gift. Don’t overthink it. 

Images generated by ChatGPT using the full text of this post as a prompt