Top O’ the Mornin’ to Ya!
TLDR: During a morning walk with my daughter, we discover how routine moments create opportunities for deep connection. This story highlights the importance of recognizing untapped gifts and talents both in ourselves and our children, just as Neil Patrick Harris expanded from acting to writing children’s books.
What?
Every morning, my daughter Liz and I share a special routine. We walk our dog to the bus stop, watching her slip around on the icy pavement and talking about whatever comes to mind. It’s more than just a morning chore – it’s become our time to connect.
As we walked, our conversation meandered through her friends at school, books she’s reading, and our upcoming adventures. I discovered she’s reading “The Magic Misfits Book Two” by Neil Patrick Harris, which surprised me. I shared with her that Harris was primarily known as an actor (famous for playing a teenage doctor on TV), and how interesting it was that he had expanded his talents into writing children’s books.
Why?
This simple moment with my daughter revealed something profound about human potential. Here was Neil Patrick Harris, known primarily as an actor, who had discovered and developed a completely different talent – writing books that my daughter now enjoys. This realization struck me as worth sharing because so many of us limit ourselves to the identities or skills we’re already comfortable with.
Our morning walks aren’t just about getting Liz to the bus – they’re daily opportunities to notice these small insights together, to help each other recognize possibilities we might otherwise miss.
Lesson
There’s always something on the horizon that you could become. Each of us likely has strengths or gifts we haven’t fully extended or moved into using. Just like Neil Patrick Harris wasn’t limited to being “just an actor,” none of us should define ourselves by only what we’re currently known for.
God gives us multiple talents and abilities, and sometimes they remain dormant until we give ourselves permission to explore them. The talents that might have the greatest impact on others could be the ones you haven’t even recognized in yourself yet.
Apply
Take a moment today to write down a gift or talent you believe might be within you – something you’ve been given by God but haven’t fully developed. Consider if this is an ability that could help serve others, love others, or amplify your life’s impact and significance.
Ask yourself: “What might I be capable of that I haven’t explored yet?” Then take one small step toward developing that potential.
For parents especially, create moments like my morning walks with Liz – times where casual conversation can lead to discovering new perspectives together. Help your children see beyond current limitations into future possibilities.
Be blessed.
