My father was, in my opinion, a master mechanic. He could work on anything from a toaster to a multi-story H-Vac system. For a few years he operated a small appliance repair business (on the side) out of our basement. He worked on toasters, irons, and other household appliances – before the throwaway age. No matter what it was, my Dad could take it apart, find the malfunctioning parts and repair the mechanical unit. His last position was as foreman of building maintenance for the University of Louisville, Medical Campus which included General (University) Hospital. As a child I lived in amazement, maybe even mesmerized, by his ability to “fix” things.

We all have natural abilities. While I personally believe these to be God-given, we must work at them to increase our ability to our greatest potential. Some are artists. Me, I have difficulty drawing a straight line with a ruler. Others are mechanically inclined, wordsmiths, cooks, on and on it goes. Some of our abilities are passed down from our parents. Have you ever sat down to consider your own personal natural abilities?

While preparing a workshop on natural abilities a few years back, I began thinking about my father and his ability. My thoughts turned to why I did not inherit any of his “fix-it” genes. It seemed all my brothers had some of his knack. My youngest brother followed closely in Dad’s footsteps, working in maintenance for a large hospital complex, eventually serving in a supervisory role. My second oldest brother is a master with cars, mechanically, body work and painting. My oldest brother received some of that giftedness and used it on helicopters for the military. Even my sister evidenced that fix-it mentality and giftedness.

But what about me. My Mom would share with others, “If you need something fixed, call Jim (my youngest brother), don’t call George.” I mean, when your own Mother…

As I was contemplating these “fix-it” abilities and my lack of them, God asked me a question. I had asked God why my brothers and sister received this fix-it gene from my Dad and why, it appeared,  I did not. The question He asked me in return was, “What do you do for a living?” As I contemplated the question, I quickly realized the answer, as if a light went on in my head.

I work with churches and organizations helping them find a better path to increased effectiveness. I assist organizations by helping them dissect the working organisms, find the ill-functioning parts, and building the best working order for the organization. I realized that day that I did receive some of that fix-it gene, just not with my hands on a machine.

We all have natural abilities. It is our responsibility to develop those abilities to the best of our potential. What are you doing to increase your abilities and use them for the good of others?

 George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life.