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I can usually tell which grandchild has used my computer by the stuff left behind. I find shoes underneath the desk, toys near my chair, and signs for the hotel they want to open. I think they’re planning to turn my home into a bed and breakfast. My grandchildren certainly leave their mark, and there’s no need to dust for fingerprints to see who has been on my computer.

One person whose prints would be impossible to detect is quadriplegic Joni Eareckson Tada. After being nominated to serve on a National Committee, she had to undergo an investigation which included being fingerprinted, a task the agent found impossible to complete. Confused, she asked if this was a common problem. He explained that the only people without prints are people who never use their hands. He went on to add that carpenters, bricklayers, typists, homemakers, and anyone who uses their hands a lot would have good prints.

A person without fingerprints leaves no marks, no prints and no evidence of where they have been. And a person who doesn’t use the gifts that God has given them will not leave marks in this life.

Although she could not use her hands, Tada became an artist by learning how to hold a brush between her teeth to paint. In addition, she is a Christian author and speaker. She uses what she has to not just leave her mark, but to point people to Jesus.

When we use what we have, our God-given talents and abilities, we are able to bless and serve others, leaving behind evidence that points to Jesus.

We are filled with opportunities to use our abilities to serve God and others. May we live up to our full potential and not waste one single moment of each day.

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.