Admired by the late Chet Atkins, Doyle Dykes is considered by many to be the best finger style guitar player in the world today. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to attend one of his workshops. The class was composed of a rather interesting collection of guitar players, which made choosing a place to sit an interesting study in social acceptance.

Not long into the workshop, we began to sense something else besides playing music was going on. This acclaimed artist led us to consider the Giver of all gifts and talents, at appropriate opportunities. Rather than focusing on his awards, appearances, or achievements, he described a number of situations where he had been able to use his gift to make a difference in someone’s life. He wove these touching testimonials between renditions of popular songs and hymns.

During a question and answer session, one of the stereotypical rock guitarist attendees expressed his frustration with not yet being discovered. He asked Doyle what he could do to make it in the business.

Doyle shared his belief that if you have received a gift, it was given for one purpose—to bless others. He suggested the young guitarist do as he had done—volunteer to play at nursing homes—play for anyone who is lonely, discouraged or grieving; then, when the gift is used as it was intended, more and more opportunities will be given.

What a refreshing approach that might be applied, not only to musical talent and the entertainment industry, but to every skill, career, and vocation—to partner with God, according to His design, purpose, and agenda, to be a blessing to others.

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Herald editor