The popular composer Irving Berlin was born on this day in 1888.

Irving Berlin was born Israel Isadore Baline in Russia. During his lifetime, this popular composer wrote such memorable tunes as “White Christmas,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “God Bless America,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” But did you know that Berlin, who wrote the lyrics and music to about 1,500 songs, never had any formal musical training or education?

A self-taught piano player, Berlin played by ear and only knew one key—F-sharp. Later he had a special piano made for him on which he could shift into different keys simply by turning a gear on the piano. During his long career, Berlin never learned to read music or write music; instead he relied on a musical secretary to transcribe the songs he wrote.

Berlin had an extraordinary gift of music. Despite having never learned formal composition or music theory, Berlin was able to delight his many fans with wonderful songs that remain popular today.

Do you know who else Berlin delighted by using the gifts and talents given to him? God. It’s true. God is delighted when we use the different talents and abilities that he has given to us. Just as he gave Berlin the gift of music, he may have given you the gift of being a good soccer player. Or maybe you are good at math, or you can play the trumpet like no one else can. There are as many combinations of talents and abilities as there are people in the world. And each one brings pleasure to God when it is being used.

So what gifts and talents do you have? What can you do to use your gifts and abilities in a way that will please God?

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives (Psalm 37:23).

To Do

If you’re not sure what your particular talents and abilities are, think about what you like to do and what you do well. Ask those who know you well what they think are your talents.

Also on this day . . .

Today is Eat-What-You-Want Day.

1812—The waltz was introduced into English ballrooms.

1858—Minnesota was admitted as the 32^nd state.

1947—The first tubeless tire was manufactured by B.F. Goodrich.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.