...how to determine what you're really, really good at, excel in it/them and still have a good understanding of all other things.
Let's look at the ever-green virtuous woman as rendered in the Message version (emphasis mine)...she's definitely a Jackie of trades.
Proverbs 31:10-31:
A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
Talk about multi-skilling and multi-tasking! Yet inspite of how busy she is, she still has time to live in the fear of God which we know is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). So "Jackie" all I can say is keep learning new "trades" but remain in charge of yourself within your relationship with God and you'll be fine. You know why I'm so sure, Dan 11:32b says" "but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." which means that the people that do not know their God shall be weak and exploited.
I can imagine that there may be times when you may feel tired, weak or even burnt out. Is it possible that you're doing too much or not refuelling regularly enough remember "7 days without prayer, makes one weak"(author unknown). Nothing beats knowing and remaining in tune with God - that's how you'll get rhythm in your life. The postings on Prayer may help. Help is available - all we need to do is ask God.
Indeed all we need is God's spirit. Remember Bezalel? In Exodus 31: 1-5, God spoke to Moses: "See what I've done; I've personally chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. I've filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him skill and know-how and expertise in every kind of craft to create designs and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to cut and set gemstones; to carve wood—he's an all-around craftsman. (The Message) We call all be all-rounders with God's spirit at work in us. Know God and you'll do exploits.
P.S. For those who may have another way of pronouncing things - I'm referring to the English name "Jackie" which is the shortened feminine version of Jack - i.e. Jacklyn/Jacqueline not jaki - which in some places means donkey i.e. a beast of burden. It is not God's intention for us to be beasts of burdens so don't label yourself as one.God bless.
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