Master of None

You may have heard the phrase, “Jack of all trades, but master of none.” Does that describe you? Is that a source of frustration?

God may be equipping you as a relational connector for His kingdom’s sake.

I have always admired friends who have a skill that transcends mere hobby and moves into the realm of expertise. One friend can look at the fretboard of a guitar and understand it like an English teacher looks at a grade school reader. Thus, playing the instrument comes easy to them. Another friend makes bamboo fly rods that sell into the thousands of dollars because he has the ability and patience to create beautifully intricate rods at the exact weight, length, and stiffness that the customer desires.

I, on the other hand, have had days where I have despaired of my many pathetic attempts to become an expert at anything. I have a lot of mediocre hobbies and skills but no real expertise.

For instance, I’ve been playing instruments since I was in junior high but I’m not really very good at any of them. If you tell me to take a solo on the mandolin I’ll just stare at you blankly. Ask my wife and she’ll tell you that I’ve had a thousand interests and hobbies from beekeeping to boat building yet nothing has floated to the surface of expertise.

I’m not alone. I have shared my demise with others and had them commiserate with me. They too feel like the misfit toy among the G.I. Joes and Barbees of skill sets.

Age, wisdom, and sanctification have changed my mind. God has created me like I am and it has served well for His kingdom purposes.

I am a pastor in multiple rural settings where I get to travel to those areas and build relationships. A barrier I encounter is being an outsider. Even though I grew up just two hours from here, there are folks who have lived in these hollers and hills for generations. I grew up in suburbia where these folks grew up rural. I grew up white collar where these folks tend toward blue collar. I have learned that to get to know people I need to connect on interest rather than on upbringing.

Because of my many interests, and curiosity about those interests, I can more easily relate to strangers. I can find common ground on many, many topics because I have studied and experienced many, many topics. “Oh, you enjoy turkey hunting? Let’s swap stories of past hunts.” “Oh, you dabble in woodcarving? How did you get started? Have you seen the Doug Linker videos on YouTube?”  “Oh, you have a smoker? What’s your brisket method?”

These interests have led me into a multitude of relationships over the years where I get to serve others as I serve Jesus. Are you one who gets frustrated with your lack of mastery over any particular thing? God may be equipping you to step out in faith to build relationships with others for His glory and His kingdom.