I’ve been hiding.

I’ve been hiding.
​

I have been doing these leadership and growth things. You know - those ones you’re supposed to do to get ready for all the other things you’re supposed to do.

Yea, those things.


I keep reading that, “because of my confidence and competence I need to be aware that I can intimidate those around me.”


Intimidate... those around me.


CRAP! I love the people around me. I don’t want to intimidate them. I don’t mean to intimidate them. I want them to like me because I like them.


And let’s be real, we all want to be liked. Not feared. Right?


So, that’s been hanging with me.


When I walk in a room, when I speak to an audience, when I speak up on a team.


“Careful Kate. Don’t speak to confidently. Don’t provide too much information. Act like you don’t know the answer. Pretend you don’t have any ideas. Don’t let anyone know you’ve spent hours researching to be ready for this. Don’t intimidate.”


Don’t intimidate.


Sunday morning, during a walk to check my pumpkins, I had a podcast playing. (God Centered Success with Mia Rene. Check it out, it’s good.)


She read a piece of scripture I’ve read a dozen times but never heard.


Sunday I heard.


Three men. Each, given a different gift from his master to manage. (In literal terms, bags of gold.)


Two, managed well and doubled their gifts. One, out of fear and not knowing his master’s heart, buried his gift until his master returned.


When his master returned, he responded to his fearful actions by calling him a “wicked and lazy servant.” (Matthew 25:26)


According to Matthew 25, Parable of the Talents, we are given unique gifts, “each according to his ability”. Those who use those gifts are called “good and faithful”.


Those who bury their gifts out of fear are called “wicked and lazy.”


The message rang loud and clear to me. Probably because I’ve been trying to bury my gifts out of fear.


But on Sunday I heard. I am to use those gifts. I am to use my own gifts for the works laid out before me.


And actually, so are you...


I’ll stop hiding now. And I’ll pray he guides me as I show back up and take my seat at the table. You can pray for me too.