We’re all so different, aren’t we? I find it humorous to see how, though all from the same ‘root origins’, our own five kids are so unique.
For example, if I am seeking guidance on something I’ve written, our beautiful daughter, Hannah, the eldest, will preface her thoughts by saying, “Ok mom, this is just my honest feedback, ok? I don’t want to hurt your feelings.” Then, with three more assurances of her dedication and love, she will be totally candid with me, offering praise along with some truly helpful advice.
Whereas our lovely daughter, Abby, second born, will say “Oh! I love it!” before I’ve even fully delivered it. She’s the one who uses emoji excessively (just like her mom – a fellow middle child.) She doesn’t want to venture into an area that may even remotely come off as critical, a trait which I believe stems back to a minor life-forming event in her past – something I’ll share with you in a future post.
Then there’s Lydia. Our beautiful third daughter will give it a cursory glance and reply, “Hmmm, I don’t know. But what do you think of my new scarf?” She’s a delightful, witty girl who knows I highly value her opinion, so if I push just a little, she’ll give it up.
Next, our dear boys. Andrew, the older of the two will say with a bit of panic before he even reads it, “You’re not talking about me in here, are you?” He’s at that age where just bringing up his existence is grounds for embarrassment. But if you can get him to share, he has some amazing perceptiveness.
Finally our Noah, the youngest of our little tribe. Charming, delightful – so much like his mother – oops! Did I say that out loud? Well, we have similar interests, he and I. He’ll read what I wrote, gladly offer a helpful bit of insight along with a hug, and run off to do something fun. He is only 11 after all!
Each so unique. Each so uniquely gifted. Precious treasures from God’s hand to Mark and me.
Through the years as I’ve watched their personalities emerge, I’ve delighted in how awesomely creative God is, and it has served to remind me how diverse God’s family is as well.
If we have our ‘root origin’ – our faith placed squarely in Jesus’s work for us on the cross, we are in the Family of God. Each with our own eccentricities, quirks, temperaments and perspectives. Each beloved by our Heavenly Father.
It gives me pause and reminds me: God wants us to work out our differences, give grace to one another and embrace the qualities each of us brings to our family of fellow believers.
I Corinthians 12:12 and 25, encourages us with these words, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ….so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”
Do you find it easy to value other believers in your world who may hold differing viewpoints on non-sin issues, or is this an area of struggle for you? How can we spur one another on to let those differences among us become strengths that bind us instead of separating us? Let’s talk…you know – between friends.
