Mining Diamonds: Finding and nurturing gifts in your child.

In 1905, a man named Frederick Wells was 18 feet below the earth’s surface, performing a routine inspection in a mine owned by Sir Thomas Cullinan.  While working, Wells looked up and caught a glimpse of light.  This glimmer buried deep in the earth turned out to be the largest diamond ever mined to date – known today as the Cullinan.  Talk about some guys having all the luck!

Soon after this amazing diamond was unearthed, it was sent to a master diamond cutter named Joseph Asscher.  Asscher spent 6 months simply studying the diamond, planning how he would approach the detailed cuts that would need to be made in order to transform this rough diamond into a masterpiece.  The pressure of working with such a rare find was so great that Asscher fainted after making the first cut – a cut that fortunately created the perfect result he had hoped for.  At completion, the Cullinan diamond had been divided into 9 large stones and about 100 smaller ones – altogether worth millions of dollars.

Why this bit of historical trivia?  Because it shows the value of mining and craftsmanship.  Inside our children are gifts that have been placed by God, just waiting to be discovered, polished, and put on display for His glory.  It is our job as parents to keep our eyes open to these “glimmers of light”.

It may be easier to spot these “diamonds in the rough” than you think.  Does your child always walk around the house (and store, and backyard, and in the car…) singing?  Mine that diamond!  Do they love to write stories or create art?  Catch that glint of light!  Do they seem to have a gift for speaking, sharing, or teaching?  Don’t overlook that gem!  Do they have a noticeable compassion for those who are hurting or in need?  Take notice!  Just as Wells had a trained eye for spotting diamonds in a mine, it is our job as parents to spot the God-given gifts and talents in our children.

But dad, it doesn’t stop there.  Simply pointing out a talent in your son or daughter isn’t enough.  If Wells had spotted the Cullinan but left it buried in the mine, it would have never been enjoyed by the world.  If he went a step further and had it carefully removed from the surrounding stone and set on display, it would have indeed been the largest diamond ever found, but it’s potential beauty would have never been realized.  It was only after the diamond was studied and crafted by a master that its true worth and beauty was released for all to see.

When you discover a talent in your child, take time to point it out.  Praise them.  Make a big deal about it!  In doing so, they will know that you are in their corner, supporting and admiring them.  Then, do what you can to help them develop their talent.  Guide them, but be sensitive to let them set the pace (see Colossians 3:21).  Provide the prayer, resources, opportunities, and encouragement that will help them push forward and develop their gift even when the going gets difficult.  Ultimately, it is The Master who will develop the gift in your son or daughter in a deeper, spiritual level and provide the opportunity for them to display the beauty of what He has done in them.

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else does.  You are in the best position to notice and promote the development of the gifts in them.  Further, God has given us the responsibility to intentionally raise our children to know Him, love Him, and live a life that honors Him (Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:6–7).  As we remember that our children are a gift from God (Psalms 127:3), and that the gifts in them were placed by Him, it will help us to see these talents as the true treasure they are.

Now go mine those diamonds!

– Rick

Scriptures

Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”  

Proverbs 22:6   “Train up a child in the way he should go;  Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”  

Deuteronomy 6:6–7  “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Psalms 127:3  “:Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb a reward.”

Reference

H. (2009). World’s largest diamond found. Retrieved November 05, 2017, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/worlds-largest-diamond-found