Tomas was a diligent carpenter renowned for his skill and craftsmanship. He was content with his life making simple but sturdy furniture for his neighbors. He took great pride in her work and lived a rather modest life. He didn’t need riches or earthly treasures, but found joy in the rhythm of his daily toil.
One day, a new craftsman arrived in the village. His name was Mateo, and he brought with him tales of grand creations and prestigious commissions from the city. Mateo’s work was an entirely different style of craftsmanship, filled with intricate designs and gilded embellishments that dazzled everyone who saw them. The villagers quickly flocked to Mateo to admire his art and many even engaged him for his service to try out the new designs. Tomas watched as his humble workshop grew quieter. He still had a stream of loyal customers, but he was no longer the only craftsman in town whom everyone turned too for carpentry work.
As weeks went by, Tomas’s heart grew heavy with envy. He began to compare his humble creations with Mateo’s elaborate designs. “Why can’t I be as talented as Mateo?” he thought. “Why does everyone prefer his work over mine?” These thoughts consumed him, and soon, he could think of nothing else. His joy in his craft faded, replaced by bitterness and resentment.
One evening, Tomas could not bear his frustration any longer and sought out Father Raphael for advice and counsel. Father Rafael listened patiently as Tomas poured out his heart, speaking of his jealousy and frustration. The wise priest smiled gently and said, “Tomas, do you remember the Parable of the Talents?”
Tomas nodded. “Yes, Father. The master gave different amounts of talents to his servants, and each was expected to use them wisely.”
“Exactly,” Father Rafael replied. “God has given each of us different gifts and abilities. It is not for us to compare our gifts with those of others, but to use what we have been given to the best of our ability. Mateo’s talents do not diminish yours, nor do they define your worth. God sees your hard work and your faithfulness, and in His time, He will bless you.”
Tomas pondered these words and realized how he had lost sight of his own blessings. He prayed for strength and guidance, asking God to help him find joy in his craft again.
As Tomas began to work with a renewed spirit, a change started to take place. He found himself creating pieces with a newfound inspiration. He poured out his heart and soul into every piece of furniture that he made, and the people knew that Tomas was the one to go to for exceptional quality. His simple designs were crafted with renewed love and dedication. His orders began to increase, and soon his workshop was bustling with activity.
One day, Mateo visited Tomas’s workshop. He admired the beauty and craftsmanship of Tomas’s work and said, “Your creations are wonderful, Tomas. They have a warmth and sincerity that my ornate designs lack. I have been so focused on impressing others that I forgot the joy of creating something simple and meaningful. How I wish I could have the talent like you.“
Tomas smiled knowingly. “Have you heard of the Parable of the Talents?”…
From that day forward, Tomas and Mateo became great friends. They held no envy or jealousy – merely a friendly competitive spirit that edged each other on. Both of them now understood that true success comes not from comparing ourselves to others, but from faithfully using the gifts that we have been given.
And so the village flourished, not because of competition, but because of the harmony and mutual respect that grew among its people. Tomas learned that envy steals joy, but faithfulness brings peace and fulfillment. And he thanked God every day for the gifts he had been given and the lessons he had learned.
“Comparison is the thief of joy; trust in God’s timing and faithfully cultivate your own talents, for He will bring you success in due time.”
“Each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast with regard to himself alone, and not with regard to someone else; for each will bear his own load.”
– Galatians 6:4-5
Dearest one, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison. We look at others and see their talents, successes, and the admiration they receive, and we begin to question our own worth. Sometimes we may even question why someone is more successful when we are work so much harder. This can lead to feelings of envy and self-doubt, clouding the joy and fulfillment we once found in our own work and lives. The story of Tomas the carpenter is a powerful reminder of the dangers of comparison and the importance of valuing our unique gifts.
Tomas initial bitterness with Mateo shifted his perspective to envy – causing his the joy that we once had in his craft to be robbed from him. In times of doubt and comparison, it is crucial to remember that our worth is not measured by how we stack up against others, but by how faithfully we use the gifts God has given us. As Father Rafael reminded Tomas, the Parable of the Talents teaches us that God has bestowed different gifts upon each of us, and it is our responsibility to use them wisely and faithfully. Each gift is valuable in its own right, and the diversity of these gifts is what enriches our community and brings glory to God.
Shift your focus to your own work and unleash your talents once more with renewed dedication and love. There will always be someone we appears more talented, with greater achievements or seemingly more successful. By trusting in God’s timing and faithfully cultivating our own talents, we will find true joy and success.
