Uniqueness. We are all unique. God has made us this way. Carol reminds us that God created us to be unique and He knows us intimately.
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Created by God in our Uniqueness
Each one of us is unique. We know that. We talk about it. We use that phrase to remind others who are struggling with body image, illness or injury or tough times in their life. I’ve heard myself remind my grandchildren how I love each one of them and how each of them is unique in their abilities, their looks and their interests. Many times when I wish I could do something like someone else – be as good at art as my favourite artists, be more musical, look different – you get the picture – when I feel like I am less than enough I need to remind myself that God created me to be unique – created me to be me and knows all about me.
Uniqueness in Psalm 139
I love the words of Psalm 139:13-15
“You brought my inner parts into being; you wove me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you, for you made me with fear and wonder, marvelous are your works, and you know me completely. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in secret, and intricately put together in the lowest parts of the earth.”
No matter who we are, no matter what we are able to do or not do, no matter what we look like, nothing is hidden from God. He knows each one of us intimately.
Dealing With Our Uniqueness
How do we deal with the uniqueness of the puzzle pieces of our lives? How do we interact with those who may have some special puzzle pieces in their lives? How do we deal with puzzle pieces that come into our own lives that are special or create special needs?
Sometimes these pieces are short term such as when I broke my knee and needed a brace, crutches and six weeks of not putting any weight on that leg. For six weeks I had some special needs. Crutches and I did not get along well at all. In addition, it happened in February in Saskatchewan with snow and ice covering sidewalks and roads outside. My townhouse had stairs everywhere and I felt trapped in one part of my home. I needed extra help for everyday chores. I knew the time frame until I could be rid of these extra pieces in my life but it made me think of others who need mobility aids every day, with no hope of them disappearing. It reminded me of the difficulty people who use canes, crutches, or walkers have and that are intensified during the many months of a prairie winter. I looked at sidewalks and how well they had been cleared in a new light as well.
Hearing Test
Other times these unique needs in our lives happen, maybe due to aging, an accident or an illness. Several years ago I knew the time had arrived to have my hearing tested. I constantly felt like I needed to ask people to repeat themselves. When I taught workshops, I often could not hear the participants, especially those with a soft voice. The test results showed some hearing loss in both ears. I had barely passed sixty and I needed hearing aids! This loss of hearing was not reversible but for me hearing aids were a viable option. It took me awhile to get used to them and also to know I needed them for the rest of my life. Yet I became grateful when I could participate in a discussion with someone, hear my friends share something or know what my grandchildren were talking about (well at least having an option to understand – some subjects are just beyond me!)
This made me have a fresh realization of speaking clearly, slowly enough and to articulate my words when I am speaking to others. You never know when someone is having difficulty hearing, wears hearing aids or depends on reading lips to fully understand a conversation.
Known By God in our Uniqueness
A number of years ago we owned a second hand store. One of our customers was deaf and mute. I didn’t know sign language but learned several words from her. I also learned to look directly at her when I spoke since she could read lips. The rest of the communication we did by writing notes. When she didn’t like what I’d say she would simply turn her back on me, effectively ending any communication. This unique individual had challenges in her life with communication but she had worked her entire life to overcome them to the best of her ability.
In our uniqueness we are known by God which is amazing and awe inspiring. We all have times, whether we are a child or an adult, that we need some help because of a short or long term special need. We need someone to walk beside us and offer to be our hands and our feet. We also all need someone to believe in us. I am grateful for family and friends, who know me, love me for who I am, believe in me and encourage me to be myself.
What unique puzzle pieces show up in your life? Who offers you help and encouragement?
Read More About Uniqueness
What is Your Personality Type – Treasured Uniqueness
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life.
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential. She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope. She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren. Visit her website carolscorner.ca
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Images Credits
Unique Kid – 11570
Grand Central Station – Free-Photos
Unique Tulip – 4Me2Design
Potter’s Wheel – Lebemaja
Sculptures – 12019
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