When the master returns the first servant earned five more talents, the second servant earned two more talents and the third servant hid the talent in the ground. The master said to the first two servants (separately), "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master."
The third servant brings the one talent back and blames the master for his own lack of trying. He says he knew the master was a "hard man" and so he was afraid to do anything with it. The master tells him he could have at least put it in the bank and earned interest. He then calls the servant wicked and lazy and worthless and casts him out into the outer darkness.
It doesn't take much effort to put money into a bank. You just walk through the doors, open an account and hand over the money. The third servant couldn't even be bothered to do that much. He must have seen the other two servants working and using the talents the master had given them. They were all in the same household. He must have noticed they didn't see the master as being a hard man. This third servant must have had a small still voice inside tell him to do something with what he was given. God speaks to all of us. We just have to listen.
We've all been given gifts and talents by God. How are you using them? How am I? As this parable shows, the master doesn't expect us all to be on the same level but He does expect us all to do something with what He gives us. It doesn't have to take much effort.
What would this world be like if every single person shared encouraging words with other people daily? If every single person showed kindness in all he or she did? What would this world be like if we shared God's love with those we come into contact with daily? Sometimes it's just a smile. Sometimes it's just giving another person a few minutes of your time.
One of Billy Graham's kids (I think it was Franklin Graham) said at his faither's funeral, his father was "F.A.T" which stands for Faithful, Available and Teachable. Can we say we're F.A.T?
I've stayed home with my kids and for my kids since 1995. Being a stay-at-home parent has its unique challenges. I've been the caregiver for my 18 year old son his whole life and will continue. I can't lie. There are times that it gets tiresome. There are times I want something more. There are times I just don't want to change another diaper or give another bath or read another book. But God has placed me here with my son. It is one of my purposes in life. It might not seem very important but God says it is so it must be.
I think all callings can become wearisome at times. It is in our faithfulness to the tasks God has given us where He shines through. Faithfulness is hard to come by in this world. That's why it shines so much.
Be faithful and available and teachable today.
Extend a little bit of effort and notice the people around you. A word from you might steer a life in a new direction. A smile from you might give someone hope.