America's Got....Boredom

I wasted an hour tonight watching the debut of the "America's Got Talent" show. It really was a waste of my time. I was hopeful that talent would be recognized, that was say, talent. Instead, I watched lots of variety show acts perform at mediocre levels with little entertainment. Maybe the chasm my mind has created between skill and talent is the cause of my conclusions.

I have always thought that skills were learned and that talent was natural. For instance, I have a talent at writing papers quicker than well, anyone I know. This is a talent, not because I can b.s. well, or have studied writing, or just don't care about my papers. It is a talent because my thoughts come to me in natural and cohesive order. I practice many of the "skills" of writing, but have some "talent" behind it as well. The same is true with say sports. I have honed many soccer skills, but some of what makes me a better player is an innate intuition and reflex talent that I have.

It was unfortunate to watch a show of skill tonight, where I thought I could see some talent. There wasn't an act that I didn't feel I could learn to do with time. Nothing that couldn't be taught to anyone in America. It was disappointing. I wasn't even necessarily hoping for useful talents, but something that was unique would have been nice. I've seen enough jugglers, magicians and singers in my life. None seemed to have more talent than the other, some just had more skill in performing.

In my own life, I am hoping to organize a life around my "talents" and using my time to hone the "skills" that go around those talents. I'd encourage all to do the same. Figure out what it is about you that is God given in a unique way. Then, find a way to hone skills that coordinate with that talent.