Blessing or Curse?

Highly gifted people are usually envied. This is certainly justified in a way, because God has indeed gifted us with extraordinary gifts - therefore the expression "highly gifted". Of course, He did not give us these gifts, so that we fight them and try to become *normal*. On the contrary: it is our duty to use these gifts for His glory. Seen this way high giftedness is in any case a blessing, and every highly gifted person has to humbly thank God for this gift.

Unfortunately we have to live in this world with our high giftedness. And in this world there is no real room for us - just as little as for other special people. On the one hand, it is made use of a part of our abilities, but the inevitable *side effects* of these abilities almost nobody wants to tolerate. Of course, it is much easier for those of us who are already adults. Children and youngsters have to suffer a lot, because they are *different*, as this kind of diversity is not appreciated - least of all at school. Apart from ignorant teachers the young people are often also subject to parents who like to boast around with their highly gifted child. Not all parents do that, of course, least of all probably those who suffered themselves from being highly gifted, and who therefore know that it is not so nice to live in this world with it as others might think.

I do not suffer anymore since I have become a Christian in my late twenties and finally started to do what is my task: to use my gifts for God's glory. At the moment I cannot yet use all my gifts, but I am sure God will take care that none of my abilities will get lost. By this the curse turns into a blessing again - for me and hopefully for others as well!

Last update: May 28, 2005