Having a "particular set of skills"

I love Liam Neeson in just about any movie, but this line from the movie Taken is one of my favorites:

"I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career"

Emily's bouquet photo by warstoweddings.com

Have you ever thought about the fact that each one of us has a very particular set of skills; skills aquired perhaps over a long "career" of observation, trial and error, and experimentation? When these God given inclinations are nurtured and given the soil of encouragement, they flourish and grow and become our own "particular" way of loving and serving others. 

Lenten roses from the Richmond garden

I've always enjoyed flowers. My grandfather loved to grow tea roses, and my dad kept up the practice. There seemed to be fresh flowers on our table all summer long, and drinking in that heady scent was one of my childhood pleasures. My own gardens have helped to fill my home with little nosegays and bouquets that remind me of the beauty God creates.

When asked to create flowers for my daughter's friend's wedding, (lots of lavender roses I recall!) I jumped at the chance. My first foray into wedding flowers proved I had a LOT to learn. Who knew that the bride usually does not throw her own bouquet? I watched in horror as flowers went sailing out of my lovely arrangement, as single girls clamoured to catch what was left of the poor pathetic thing! This friend and her husband got a good laugh from it, as did I!, and they now run a thriving wedding photography firm,  elisabphotography.com

one of the arrangements I enjoyed making at TFC

Large arrangements became a fascination when a dear friend got me to join the flower guild. This wonderful mentor taught me the little details of  creating a large arrangement, and coached me along until she thought I was ready to go solo. I must say I got so much pleasure out of those quiet mornings in the musty old historic church, polishing the silver, and laying out the flowers, often with the organist rehearsing. For several years I served in this way, and learned so much, developing my very own "particular set of skills".

One of many table arrangements for E&E photo by elisab

When it came time to create flower arrangements for Emily's wedding, I was ready and happy to dive in. And I had wonderful friends and family who helped, as well. How fun to find out that those unique skills and interests I had  been developing over time would allow me to bless the people I love so much!  Here's hoping you are using your particular skills to do the same thing, whatever those skills may be. 

Flowers express so much personality!

Later this week I will post how we made the decisions and organized the work of crafting so many luscious displays of the work of our Master Gardener.