Many years ago we took our granddaughter, Cierra, with us on a vacation to the Lancaster, PA area. As we went from shop to shop, looking at all the hand-crafted items, we came upon some miniature Amish people figurines made from polymer clay. We were mesmerized as we examined them and all the tiny things they would need for their lifestyle.

Then something wonderful happened. The artist, Esther O’Hara, came into the shop. We spent time talking with her as she told us about her life and how she developed this exquisite craft. We shared that we enjoyed doing different crafts. She also had, but came to a time in her life when she decided to focus on just the one she was best at.

She gave us some advice that made quite an impact on us. Esther said we needed to hone our craft. Just as she picked the one gifting she was best at to develop, practice and perfect until she was a master at it, so we should consider what that one gifting for us to hone would be.

Through the years we have found our niche. I have worked years at honing my writing skills until I finally was able to publish a book last year. Cierra settled on honing her gift to crochet. When I taught her how to crochet when she was younger, she didn’t do it the “right” way, but backwards. Yet she continued to practice and developed her own unique way.

Now Cierra has crocheted many award-winning projects that have won numerous ribbons in the fairs they’ve been entered into. She makes beautiful doilies, cuddly stuffed animals, various types of blankets, shawls, hats, purses and many other things. She can make up her own patterns and has definitely mastered her gift.

Likewise, my husband, Keith, has found his one gifting to hone. He has done woodworking through the years, building bird houses, shelves, tables and other things. But working long hours didn’t leave much time to hone his craft. That changed when he retired. 

Keith spent time learning a new craft, wood turning on a lathe. That is where he has focused his time and talent, and now comes up with new designs that have also won awards. He found his unique way to create beautiful bowls, vases, platters, trays, candle holders and one-of-a-kind gifts.

We have all been given gifts and talents by the Lord that He desires us to hone and use for His glory. They can be natural talents we are born with, or giftings we acquire from Him. The key is to be single-focused to develop these gifts to the best of our abilities with God’s help. We can find purpose and passion as we hone our gifts.

We can look to Jesus as our example. He was fully God, but sent to earth to live as a man for a unique purpose. Jesus knew His purpose, and was single-focused and passionate to keep His purpose always before Him. Everything He did was to fulfill it.

Jesus’s purpose was to be the only Savior of the world. Because of this, He was able to set His face like flint with unwavering determination and commitment to fulfill His mission. He was obedient to death on the cross, and took upon Himself the sins of the world. As He arose to life on the third day, He fulfilled His purpose so we could have forgiveness and new life.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.