Sometimes back, I met two gentle ladies arguing who between the two is better skilled to perform a particular act. One said she has natural talent, only that she is too busy to put it to practice. The other performs the act regularly and is so confident of herself. Either was convicted of her belief but I waited for my opinion to be sought, lest I became an intruder.

Mine was not to make one feel better than the other when my opinion was eventually sought but I reminded the first lady that passion, constant practice and consistency can displace the best talent that is kept in abeyance for too long a time. If you don’t use your talent, you will lose it. It is just a matter of time.

Not doing what you know how to do is not significantly different from not knowing how to do it. Ability is not enough. Many of us have the ability to do many things but if the willingness to try is lacking, those things remain as wishes. We often say wishes are not horses to be ridden but I once said that you can ride on the back of your wishes if only you give wings to your dreams. If you give wings to your dream, indeed your dream can fly.

Sometimes, the words are few. Today is one of such moments. Let me just remind you of the biblical parable of the five wise virgins and the five not too wise virgins. When opportunity meets preparedness, the tale of many years can turn around 360 degrees in a short moment. Likewise, some opportunities that present themselves but not taken never get to show up in a lifetime. Please hone your skills, even when you don’t feel like it.

©️Akin Oluwadare Jnr
27 June 2022