Potential

He was a man with almost unfathomable talents. Yet, approaching the end of his life, Leonardo da Vinci realized how little he had accomplished, writing, “Tell me if anything was ever done.” In spite of a vivid imagination, he rarely finished projects. Of his paintings, only 15 survive, and four are unfinished.

Born on this day in 1452, in Vinci, Italy, just outside Florence, Leonardo excelled at disciplines ranging from architecture to engineering, and he conceived many revolutionary concepts for military weapons.

Leonardo moved to Milan, hoping his ideas would be developed. Instead, he found himself working on modest projects such as designing wedding costumes and creating sets for plays.

He was challenged by a commission to sculpt a spectacular bronze horse for Milan’s powerful duke, Lodovico Sforza. Yet the sculpture was never finished.

Then, around 1496, Sforza commissioned him to paint the Last Supper on a wall of the convent/church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Because of his many other interests, his work often was delayed on this massive project. But, for one of the few times in his life, he eventually was able to concentrate his relentless energy. It took three years, but the painting finally was completed.

Today, both connoisseurs and average consumers can relish this masterpiece and the few other projects Leonardo finished. But we only can wonder what more he could have accomplished.

Jesus told the Parable of the Talents to help us realize that God has given each of us unique gifts, talents, and resources. We’re responsible for how we use these gifts. God promises to reward those who invest their talents, but He’s displeased when we fail to use them.

Make sure that you are using the time, talent, and treasure you’ve been given. Don’t hide your talents, but invest them in God’s Kingdom and the lives of others.