Shorties: Number 48

This is an excerpt from my story The Parting.


Maria, MIA’s mom, spoke to him privately that night.  She wanted to impress upon Jack her appreciation for his friendship to her son, Miguel.  Though he was gone, in some way, Jack was a surrogate.  More than anything, she had to drive home one point.  She said, “Jack, you know how I feel about people using their God given talents.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Have you read Matthew 25 to know about the story that means so much to me?”

“Yes, I have, several times.” 

“It has always struck me how important it is to God that we use what He has given us.  He will one day take an account of how we use it.  I used to wonder why Jesus mentioned that the one who didn’t use his talents would be cast out into the darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.  It seemed harsh for God to throw someone into hell for not using their talents.  I spoke about this with a pastor.  He said it isn’t so much going into hell but the sorrow is so great over wasted opportunities people will cry and clench their teeth in severe anxiety.”  There was silence as the point was driven home.  Then Maria continued. 

“Jack, I see a lot of talent in you.  God has given you much.  To whom much is given, much is expected.  God has placed you on this earth for a reason.  The world is an empty place when you withhold your gifts but we all benefit when you use what God has given you.”

Gratitude washed of Jack and he began to cry.  Maria reached and pulled him in for an affectionate, motherly hug.  She whispered softly, “Oh papito.  You are such a good boy.” 

“How can you tell?  I’ve been such a, a, slug since I’ve been here.”

“I know a good person when I see them.” 

The next few days, Jack considered the blessings in his life.  In spite of his father dying, he still had a strong family unit.  He had been given many abilities.  If a person who has little and doesn’t use it is sad, how much more will someone weep and gnash his teeth when he was given much?  He felt he had an embarrassment of gifts.  He found himself praying for God’s guidance as to which gifts did God want him to use for the benefit of the world.  He wanted to leverage his gifts to their maximum usage.