Variety!

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Look at them! All sorts of shapes, sizes, weights, heights. Go to any classroom or playground with elementary age children and you can't help but be impressed by the diversity in children the same age. Despite the peer pressure, they have a million different ideas of what is important, of what they want to wear, and of what they will grow up to be.

Look at this incredible planet we call earth. So many different kinds of terrain: mountains, valleys, rivers, deserts, forests, plains, swamps, and sand dunes. God's creative genius is everywhere. He never paints two sunsets the same. He chose to have millions of species of plants, animals, and insects. Billions upon billions of stars twinkle in the dark expanse of space surrounding us. It is obvious God is easily bored with monotony and sameness. He obviously cherishes variety and uniqueness.

We shouldn't be surprised when fingerprints of siblings are very different. We shouldn't be caught off guard when children born to the very same parents are so different from each other in personality! We're made to be different. There is no one else exactly like me, or like you! God has only one mold. After each new person is fashioned, he breaks that mold and throws it away. He chooses a new mold for the next one!

God is a God of variety, contrast, uniqueness, and surprises. He chooses to know each of us personally. Jesus says he knows how many hairs are on our heads. He knows our days and what is in store for us. David says he knew all this even before anyone knew we were here. He knew us as he knit us together in our mother's womb! Each of us is an expression of God's desire for variety. Our purpose in life and our gifts are to reflect God's desire for something new, something different, something unique. We fill a space no one else could fill and serve in a way no one else could serve!

If you are struck with the incredible variety, beauty and uniqueness of nature, a second grade class, or even your own children, remember this: God knows you and made you special too! He made you to be you and no one else. You have a unique purpose and can serve God in a way which is unique to you! Don't get stuck in a rut. Don't try to be someone else. Take those abilities, talents and gifts God gave uniquely to you and be you. You are part of God's artistry. Bring God praise by being you to his glory.

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