The boys of our family and myself went to the zoo this weekend. While we waited for the seal show to begin, we watched in amazement, along with those around us, how gracefully the seals moved through the water. 
This is exactly what a seal is made for, to glide through the water gracefully, quickly and with ease. This is how it should feel when we are using the talents God has blessed us with, it feels natural and looks effortless to others. Even though it’s what God has created us for however, sometimes fear keeps us from pursuing what God placed us on earth to do.
My confession…I have a fear of failure and success, which creates a dilemma on so many levels when using my talents. I worry if I fail at using my talents then people would make fun of me. If, I succeed, I could lose those around me. In the past, when I’ve won awards and achieved success beyond even my imagination, those closest to me didn’t support that success. I was, and in some ways, still placing my dreams at the foot of man rather than at the foot of the cross. I’m looking to please those around me and concerned about their thoughts rather than pursuing my calling to please God. I’m making excuses to please people, instead of coming up with a plan to achieve my dreams.
By putting excuses and people’s opinions in front of my calling and where God is leading me, I’ve allowed self imposed constraints to hold me back and question my calling. According to 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (NIV) I realized I’m still accountable to the gifts and talents God has blessed me with and I’m free to pursue the dreams God has placed in my heart. I know I’m not bound by the laws of man, only by the calling of God. Are there self imposed limitations you’re putting on yourself instead of pursuing your calling? Share them in the comments below so we can encourage you in your journey.