It was 5th grade. Gym class was an “outdoor sport” at our little wooden schoolhouse, and kickball was a regular choice. Now let me share first that I was not the least bit athletic; I was totally uncoordinated.

One fine fall afternoon, our enthusiastic young teacher kindly but firmly insisted, “Today, everyone is going to play.” Yep, that meant even me, hanging around near the building, trying to look inconspicuous.

When my team was “at bat,” I hung to the back, hoping against hope that the class period would end before my turn. My luck ran out when I was called to the plate – like it or not I would have to try to kick that miserable ball. I gave a couple feeble attempts at a kick, missing completely. My determined teacher didn’t give up. “OK, this time kick that ball as hard as you possibly can!” The ball rolled toward me, I sucked up my strength and kicked with all my might. Unfortunately I missed. I crashed over backwards, hit my head on the dirt, and was knocked out cold. The next thing I knew, the teacher had scooped me up in his arms and was carrying me back into the classroom. His final comment, “If you had connected with that ball, you would have kicked it out of the playground!”

I learned something that day. Some things I could do. Some things I would never do well. But it was OK. I could admire those who had the skills I lacked without feeling like a failure. There was no need for jealousy or envy. I admit it, I still work on that – but I know myself pretty well now. Kicking that kickball is not the only skill that I lack, but it’s OK. God gifts us each differently. Our call is to use the gifts that we do have to His glory and for the good of our neighbor.

Our heavenly Father is more than willing to accept our efforts using whatever gifts He has given to us. After all, He loves us. Remember, He loves you unconditionally.

Judy