Talents! Do I Have Any? I Wonder?

For years I have envied people who could sing or dance or play an instrument. In my lifetime I have tested my abilities and discovered that music is just not part of my DNA. 

Several years ago, I discovered that even though I have no sense of rhythm whatsoever, I have a bit of dancing talent. Rhythm I realized was overrated. All I needed was a dance partner. Now before I confuse you, let me share an experience I had that will illustrate my talent on the dance floor.

My first wife, Carol, and I were asked to chaperone a youth dance. We basically went so we could eat the goodies, talk to other adult chaperones, and tease the kids. Our oldest son, Paul, was 16 or 17 years old and was at the dance having fun hanging out with his friends while trying to ignore his parents. Unbeknownst to us the young people who planned the event had decided that a dance contest involving the chaperones would be fun.

Now I need to issue a disclaimer and admit that despite what I said earlier, dancing really isn’t my forte and I cannot not swing and sway to the music. So, when the contest began, I made an executive decision without consulting my wife. I knew I would be out on the floor with some great dancers, and I knew that when the kids saw me dance, they would probably laugh at my lack of skills, and I don’t like to be laughed at unless I am trying to make people laugh. With this personal quirk in mind, I decided to make them laugh with me rather than laugh at me. 

The first round of competition started, and my wife and I moved out onto the floor. I started to make the craziest moves, and to her credit, Carol smiled and played along. When the first round was over, we were among the 10 couples chosen to continue. 

The second round began, and I continued my wild gyrating, while Carol laughed merrily and followed as best she could and Paul tried to hide. Eventually, as fate would have it, we were selected as one of the two finalist couples. 

The other couple were terrific ballroom dancers, in fact the wife was a dance instructor. We had absolutely no chance against their dancing talent, but by then I had discovered that I had a talent as well. Carol and I continued to play to our strengths; I came up with the weirdest moves while she played things straight and laughed and smiled at whatever I did next.

The judging involved the teenagers clapping their hands and cheering for the couple they liked best. It was obvious that the other couple had the dancing talent and skills, but it was equally obvious that my skills for making the kids laugh and enjoy the contest were also present. 

Humor won out that night as the crowd awarded the prize to my wife and me. We were especially happy to see Paul clapping and cheering as hard as the other teens.

I absolutely know I cannot dance, but I also know I can take the opportunities that come along and help people laugh and enjoy the moment in my own way.

How about you and your kids? Maybe you and they have talents you haven’t even realize yet, talents you could strengthen and develop and enjoy sharing. 

As a parent I believe we should encourage our children to get out of their comfort zone, take a few chances, and try new things. What better way than to lead by example?

Happy Failing Forward,

Calvert