'Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than you'. – Dr Seuss
On one of my days back at work after maternity leave I got a fresh revelation at the beauty of our uniqueness.
Imagine 26 year one children all busily creating an 'under the sea' craft activity. There was glitter glue, shiny paper, modelling clay, pipe cleaners, teeny tiny beads and anything else you can think of that is likely to create a lot of fun mess, it was all there!
And while the boys and girls had the same materials to work with, each finished creation was completely different. They had created their own original piece of art and they were all beautiful, in their own unique way.
This really stood out to me and gave me a fresh perspective on the beauty of our uniqueness. And for days and now weeks later, I continue to marvel at this simple, yet complex wonder and in turn marvel at our Creator because of course our uniqueness is all because of Him.
There is no one else like you!
There are around seven billion people in the world and there is no one else who looks exactly like you, thinks the way you do, acts the way you do or has done exactly the same things that you have. While you might share similarities with other people, there is simply no one else like you!
I think this is truly remarkable and points to such an incredible, creative and wonderful God! In light of this, no one else can serve and glorify God in exactly the same way that you can and I think that this is truly beautiful!
One body, many parts
1 Corinthians chapter 12, verses 12–31 talk about the human body having many parts but the many parts make up only one body. Each body part has a different role to play and they must work together to achieve harmony.
We know that the body won't function properly if there is friction or competition between the different parts, they all must work together. For example, the eye is the only part that can see, but without our feet we can't go anywhere.
And so it is with the body of Christ. We have all been given different gifts and abilities, but it is so we can ultimately work together to bring God glory and honour.
Romans chapter 12, verses 6–9 talk about using our different gifts in the best way we possibly can. If God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have the faith. If your gift is hospitality, then host others well. If you are a teacher, do a good job. If your gift is to encourage others, do it. If you have money, share it generously. If you have a gift for showing kindness, do it gladly.
So what are my gifts?
I have at times struggled to know what my gifts, abilities and talents might be and have even questioned if I have any! But if we believe the Word then we must believe that we do and in my experience asking the Spirit to show us has helped in discovering what these might be.
Discovering Your God-Given Purpose is a practical article on Focus on the Family's website. It highlights a few key areas that might help, they are: listen to your dissatisfaction, listen to others, listen to your gifts, listen to your passions, and listen and seek God.
1 Peter chapter 4, verse 10 says, 'God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you'.
God has made you, you for a reason and it is for a beautiful reason, even if you can currently see this or not and I hope you can begin to see how wonderful, unique and special you truly are!
Jo Fuller is an early childhood teacher with degrees in journalism and education. She currently lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband and baby son.
Jo Fuller's archive of articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jo-fuller.html