'A rose can never be a sunflower, and a sunflower can never be a rose. All flowers are beautiful in their own way and that's like women too...' Miranda Kerr
Many years ago, I had a medical procedure that left me in tears. I was even later told by a family member that it wasn't a big deal, many women go through it and they thought I was silly for getting upset.
It was then during my quiet time with God when I remember thinking, 'well am I just too sensitive Lord'? That was when I felt God tell me about women being like beautiful flowers. I gained a deep revelation about how each flower is unique, intricate, and lovely in its own way—and some are more delicate than others.
It was a long time before I stumbled across this quote. But when I did, it made me smile as it reminded me of this special time of revelation, and also how we—man or woman—mustn't compare ourselves with others.
Uniquely You
Dr Caroline Leaf is an expert in her field of neuroscience as well as being a woman of strong faith. Her book, The gift in you, explains how no two people think the same and that there is something that only you can do that no one else can. Leaf states on her website:
"You have a divinely pre-wired Perfect You—a unique way of thinking and seeing the world that God has placed within you—a divine sense of purpose, a piece of eternity... God gave each of us the ability to think and choose as well as a unique way in which to do this."
I get totally blown away when I think of every human on this planet and every human that has ever existed, and ponder the fact that God has uniquely created each and every one with their own way of processing thoughts, and that there is something each person can do that no one else can. This points to a God who is far above and far beyond anything I could possibly imagine, as stated in Ephesians chapter 3, verse 20:
'Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.'
Why Compare?
'Comparison is the thief of joy' – Theodore Roosevelt
There is a lot of comparison that takes place in this world.
'She's prettier than me, smarter than me, he's stronger than me, has more money than me, has a better academic score than me, is more spiritual than me, has a better personality than me, has more friends than me, is thinner than me, is more creative than me...'
I think you get the picture.
If we think like this, which I know I have from time to time, then we are in need of renewing our minds. Romans chapter 12, verse 2 says:
'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.'
When we understand more about ourselves, our unique way of thinking and unique contribution to the world, I think there is more accountability to further discover what that may be – what the gift in you is – and to do it.
Leaf states that if we don't, then the whole world suffers—because all of our lives are intertwined.
And most importantly—when we do live our lives in the way God has designed and purposed for us, we will be glorifying him!
I love the Message translation of Galatians chapter 5, verse 26:
'That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.'
Jo Fuller is a primary school teacher with degrees in journalism and education. She currently lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband and young son.
Jo Fuller's archive of articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jo-fuller.html