Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Sometimes, determining our children's talents and abilities is easier said than done. Today on Home School Heartbeat, Mike Smith talks about how to make that a little easier.

Mike Smith:
A popular radio show host likes to say his talent is "on loan from God." And while this might seem like an arrogant thing to say, in one sense it's absolutely true. God gives all of us talents and abilities to use for His glory. It is vital that we figure out what they are, because the existence of a particular talent is a powerful way of determining God's will for our vocational choice.


Yet discerning talent is often easier said than done, especially in our kids. In a recent WORLD magazine issue, Marvin Olasky says, "Schools for the most part applaud generalists who can do well in a variety of subjects. But, most occupations demand specialization: the ability to do one thing well."


Homeschooling offers young people an advantage here over their traditionally schooled counterparts. Parents can more easily tailor their educational programs to allow God-given talent to flourish. Moms and dads have a responsibility to watch for talent in their children and encourage them to use that talent to serve the Lord.


Most kids spend a lot of time wondering what they want to be when they grow up. Olasky suggests that in most cases, God has already answered by handing out sets of talents and capacities. When a young person learns to maximize his talent, he usually learns to like his career, even if it wasn't his first choice. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.