We’re Not Alike – and That’s OK!

(This post originally appeared as a guest post on CarmenHorne.com)

 

The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I was alone in the office, and suddenly had the heebie jeebies. It was not uncommon to hear an odd thump or squirrels scampering on the roof, but this felt different. I turned my chair slowly, expecting to see someone staring at me.

Instead, there was a snake slithering up the window. Thankfully he was outside! He wasn’t exactly moving, more like resting, circled around the large window pane a few times, just hanging out. I beat on the window, causing him to hiss-s-s-s and stick out his tongue. It was red, by the way. Just in case you wanted to know. Yes, I got that close, but only because there was a double paned window between us.

The next morning, BC (before coffee), I felt the same sensation of being watched. Running the water for my shower, I looked up and saw a huge tree roach peering at me from behind the shampoo bottle. He was at least three feet (inches) long.

Growing up, I could always count on my Daddy to come running and kill those pesky bugs. NO MATTER what time of day or night. Alas, this was 5 a.m., and as much as my hubby loves me, I knew better than to wake him for a roach killing. Since I don’t squash those things (ewwww), and I had no swatting tool or bug zapper handy, my choice was clear: I had to drown him. Fifteen minutes later and no hot water left, I won.

Lord, I know you created even those yucky critters, but honestly, I’m wondering how they got on the ark?  I would really appreciate if a cute little kitten could cross my path tomorrow…

As I pondered creation that morning, this came to mind: We are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Not the nasty bugs, or slithery snakes, or even the cute little kittens. We are. You and me, bearing His image for all the world to see.

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 (NLT)

God considered us a “very good” creation, His masterpiece (Genesis 1:31 and Ephesians 2:10). In creating us, He chose us. The meaning in the original Hebrew is to select or to cut down.

Imagine an artisan woodworker, wandering through the forest. He examines the trees, looking for THE perfect piece of wood. He envisions exactly what he’ll create. His mind’s eye sees the beautiful bowls, tables or decorative art. Each piece will be unique: a slight turn of the lathe here, a deepening of the grain there. Each a reflection of the master artist, an expression of his very soul.

And so it is with us. God chose us, seeing the potential in us. He chopped us down and cut, carved and sanded until we bore His image.

Because we are uniquely created by God, we each radiate with a different, distinctive likeness of Him.

For years, I didn’t appreciate the uniqueness of others. I couldn’t understand how they could do something THAT way, when obviously my way was better. Thankfully, as I’ve grown and matured, I’ve learned to be grateful for our differences.

One friend would have found a shovel and quietly, but heroically, taken care of the serpent. You killed it, all by yourself? EWWW!

Another would have captured and released the nasty crawling insect, saying “Fly away little bug!” You let it live? EWWW!

Through each of them, I have come to know Christ in different ways. I have seen His quiet, controlled power and His gentle mercy.

Next time I think someone is “a little different,” I will narrow my eyes and look more closely. I’m pretty sure I will glimpse our Master Creator.

Until next week,