Poetry: My Talent or His?

How often, Lord, do I throw your gifts back into your face,Not appreciating what you've given,Because my eyes seek another,A distant prize or I permit discouragement to seep in?How often do I despise the abilities and talents You’ve created in me,Refusing to use, even abusing them out of ambition or pride,Desiring another's abilities and talents,While unwilling to learn and growproficient in my own,Unwilling to rejoice in my own God-given creativity?How often, Lord, do I jealously seek the dregs of another's talent,Instead of scaling the heights of my own?Lord Jesus, forgive.Help me recognize, develop and use theabilities and talents you've given me.You gave them to me for a reason.Help me to use them to share the message of graceWith a people who need forgiveness, peace and hope.Amen.If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9By Carolyn R. ScheidiesFrom Journey of Faith