One of the mysteries in life is some come into the world with much while some, with little. Some come with much love while some with little love. Some come with much intelligence, while some with little intelligence. Some come with much wealth, while some with little wealth. Some come with much health, while some with little.

Edward Rowland Sill, a 19th century American poet came into the world with little. Both his parents died when he was young. Since early on in life he had had health issues that prevented him from doing things he would like to do. But through it all he kept going. He went to Yale and later to Harvard Divinity School. He tried to enter ministry but did not last long. He tried newspaper work but had to quit due to physical limitations. Finally, he went to teaching and he did well until he ought to give it up due to health reasons.

Under similar circumstances many people would have given up trying but not Edward Sill. When he could no longer teach, he began writing poems and essays that became American’s beloved. He did not live long; he died at the age of 45. But in that short life he made an impact by sharing a philosophy that he held on through many adversities: “We must do the best we can with what we have.” He focused on what he had, not on what he did not have.

From the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 we learn that God gives us different talents—some five, some two, and some only one. We do not know the reason for the differences but what we know is all come from the same heart of love and trust. He does not love us and trust us any less despite the different gifts. He only expects us to make full use of what He has given us because what matters to Him is not the amount but rather the love and the faithfulness.

Pastor Paul