Different Is Good

I had been forewarned, but it was still shocking. The landscape could only be described as desolate and barren. Something that vaguely resembled pictures I'd seen of the moon. Vast, blackened lava fields stretched for miles in every direction. In sharp contrast, the beauty of the ocean reminded me that this really was Hawaii.

From the moment we stepped off the plane, I was aware of the fact that the same God who created the mainland, had created this island with its diverse landscape. A truly unique place, the Big Island boasts varied weather and vegetation depending on your location. Sunshine is plentiful on the west side of the island, with only 10 inches of rainfall a year. Compare that to the 140 inches of rainfall on the east side of the island, and you've just discovered the reason for the huge contrast in landscape!

The lava fields were unlike anything we'd seen before. With a strange beauty all its own, the hardened lava flow reminded me of the leathery hide of an elephant, or the growth rings of an ancient tree. After navigating a portion of unpaved road, simply referred to as 'Nasty' Road by our guide book, we had a deep appreciation for all the work that goes into developing this land and making it habitable.

The landscape wasn't the only thing that stood in sharp contrast to our state of Georgia, the wildlife also served as a constant reminder. From beautiful birds, to ocean animals, the photo opportunities were incredible. Colorful sea creatures and adorable geckos pointed to a Master Designer with limitless creativity.

The same is true of humankind. Each of us is created by that same Master Designer. "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them," (Genesis 1:26-27; KJV).

Each one of us is unique. Created for a purpose. The words of the Apostle John verify that purpose, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are created," (Revelation 4:11). When we use the talents and abilities God has given to us to draw attention to Him, we fulfill our purpose.

It's common to desire someone else's ability. But God gifted each one of us a bit differently for a reason. The Apostle Paul spells it out, "For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him," (1 Corinthians 12:14-18).

God's creation is diverse. Rejoice in the way He created you, using your talents and abilities to make much of Him!

Are you satisfied with who God created you to be? Will you use your gifts to magnify Him today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You today, for the awesome Creator You are! Thank You for the beauty and diversity of your creation. I'm thankful for the way You created me. Forgive me when I desire to have someone else's abilities. Help me to use the unique gifts You've given me, to bring You honor and glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

One of a Kind

Dozens of varieties. I didn't realize there were so many different types of apples. My husband and I stood in the middle of Mercier's country store, trying to decide what apples to choose. With so many choices, we decided to read the placards posted about each variety. There were apples for baking. Apples ideal for sauces. And apples for just plain snacking. Each appeared to be a quality specimen, hand-picked from the orchard and ready for consumption.

With our selections made, we headed home to sample the luscious fruit. True to the description, the Pink Lady was a firm, sweet apple, good for eating and great for cooking. The Staymen was a bit tangy and was recommended for baking, although it was also delicious for snacking. We chose the Cameo for juicing and also found it to have a sweet, spicy flavor when cooked with raisins and just a dash of cinnamon. Delicious! The final variety we selected were traditional Granny Smith apples. Something about the tangy tartness of this apple in a pie just can't be beat.

Although all of them were apples that shared many of the same characteristics, each was cultivated with unique qualities. The same is true for each one of us. Our Creator designed us to have similarities, yet each of us is one of a kind. God made mankind special. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them," (Genesis 1:27; KJV). The Psalmist David acknowledged the wonder of God's design, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well," (Psalm 139:14).

Each one of us is created with talents and abilities that reflect the Master Designer. To one is given the ability to paint beautiful pictures. To another is given the gift to build. Yet another plays music with inordinate talent. And the list goes on. Boasting in our abilities is unwise. Any talent we possess is a gift from the Creator, and should be used to make Him known.

Throughout the centuries, God's plan has remained the same - to draw all men unto Himself to spend eternity with Him (John 12:32). He wisely equips each one of us to reach those in our sphere of influence. It is our privilege to use the talents and abilities He's given, to point others to Him. King David was a gifted musician, who skillfully set the thoughts of his heart to music, "O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds," (Psalm 108:1-4).

Praising God puts the focus where it needs to be: on our Heavenly Father. Using the abilities that He's given me, I choose to give Him the honor and glory He deserves today. In the process, I'll be pointing others to the Creator!

What talents and abilities do you have? How will you use them to glorify God and draw others to Him?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the diversity in Your creation! Thank You that You created each one of us in Your image, giving us unique talents and abilities. Show me how to make the best use of the gifts You've given me to make You known to those around me. May the people of all nations be drawn to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.