I remember sitting in a circle with friends my senior year of high school and taking turns guessing what everyone would become after college graduation. Little did I know that even a few years later at college graduation, there would be few of us who actually knew what we would soon do with our lives. And while these days it may a little longer for 20-somethings to get on their way, this fall I’ve witnessed the fruit of some dear ones’ labor.

Last week while in Louisiana, I watched one dear friend, Alexis, shine in what she does. As a university admissions counselor, she met with dozens of high school students and parents – both on the edge of unknown, new chapters of their lives – and began leading them with grace and skill. It’s so fun watching individuals fill a role or do a duty where their natural talents, interests and charisma come out. It make you deeply proud of how they are choosing to use their gifts and in awe of what they can do with them.

This fall I’ve also watched from the literal sidelines as my brother coaches high school football. Even though I grew up going to nearly every sports game known to man to watch my brother play (and loved watching him), it’s possibly even better watching him coach. Truthfully, it’s even sometimes a moving experience to witness him lead a team of young men, encourage and push them and in certain moments, fight for them. Just to know that his lifelong interests in sports – from playing to watching to coaching – all have come to a head for this moment in his life – it all feels a bit like the crashing end to an overture.

Every one of us was uniquely created. God formed each of us to be a specific person and as we walk closer and closer to Him, that person comes increasingly to life. The Giver of our talents reveals them with time, allows them to develop and then provides ways for them to be used. It’s inspiring to see that truth in the lives of friends and family all around me.

Certain interests stir inside of us because that’s how we were wired. Whether you know it or not, your natural talents are an inspiration to those around you – don’t be afraid to lean into them.

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8