Edna

When I began blogging, several years ago now, my first blog was about my son. It described his power for stating the obvious. Unfortunately, this little guy also loves to be in everybody else’s business. He has to be the first to tell any news about anyone. I can’t even get out of the car when I return home before he is talking at me through the windshield, telling me the latest news.

Whenever we turn around there he is, listening intently. He appears to have the power of cloning himself as well, because it seems he is everywhere all at once taking in information that he then disseminates just as quickly!

Now, I have told you before that I am not exactly mother-of-the-year, so please don’t get too upset about what I tell you next. This characteristic of his was getting so intense and rude that I came to a creative solution. I began to call him “Edna.” Now, no offense to any lovely ladies out there with the name Edna. It was a name I thought of to describe the elderly, neighborhood gossip. The lady who just always happens to be outside watering her roses when something interesting is going on in your front yard.

As you can imagine, my 8 year old son did not take too kindly to this nickname…at first. The really surprising thing is that after he stopped being irate about it, he calmed down and realized that he really was Edna! After that, he made a concerted effort to stay out of other people’s business and to stop himself when he began to ask a nosy question. He even began to admonish his sisters that they should not be too inquisitive so they didn’t end up as an “Edna.”

Now, this is a long story to get to my actual point. ANY strength taken too far can become a weakness. My son has amazing powers of observation. He notices details that other people routinely miss. He is extremely interested in people. I know God is going to use all of these talents in a very special way. However, he will probably always have to watch himself that he is not being too nosy or intrusive.

God has given each one of us strengths. These strengths can be wonderful gifts in our lives and in other people’s lives. But, we have to be careful. An organized person can become a “control freak.” An outgoing, friendly person can become obnoxious and overbearing. A person who loves justice and truth can become harsh and legalistic. And on it can go.

In fact, a good way to figure out your own strengths, might be to look at your weaknesses. If there is an area you struggle in, could it be a strength taken too far? I know this has been the case frequently in my life. With God’s grace, I have come a long way. I know He is eager to show you your own special strengths as well and how to reign them in and share them with the world!

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9a