Snowflakes On My Shoulders

Snowflakes.  Oh my.

When they come soft and slow,

their crystalline beauty is unmatched.

Common knowledge tells us that no two snowflakes are alike.

We can let that sail in one ear and out the other

and completely miss the significance of it . . . the miracle of it.

But, did you know that man-made snow machine snow is globular?

It is not crystalline and unique.

And in that, there is an arrow toward the sacred.

Just as no two snowflakes are identical, neither are any two human beings identical--

even identical twins.

In that also, there is an arrow toward the divine.

Planned, purpose, intention.

In all our normal-ness

In all our strengths

In all our weaknesses

In all our quirkiness

In all our fine points

In all our coarse points

In our youth

In our age

In our victories

In our defeats

In our triumphs

In our tragedies

We are known and we are designed in the image of God and that is marvelous.

{Psalm 139 and Genesis 1:27}

Saturday, we shared a time together celebrating and honoring

uniqueness through snowflakes and art and storytelling.

I shared the story about three little mouse friends

 by Kevin Henkes called Chester's Way,

which beautifully illustrates in word and pictures,

why we are unique:  because we need each other.

We were each created with one-of-a-kind-ness

with the purpose of helping each other, supporting each other.

Why is this important?

I spent many years comparing myself and wishing that I was more like other people.

Often, I thought there was something wrong with me

because I was quiet, slow-to-speak, introverted, and interested in birds.

I wanted to be outgoing, bold, confident and courageous, colorful, and make friends quickly.

If only, I was this or that...

Some people may not struggle with those feelings or questions.

And so perhaps this message is not for those.

But for those who do question themselves and their value and worth

thinking their lives would be better if they were more like others.

But what I found

is that when I embraced my interests and passions,

and accepted that I was introverted and a bookworm

and contemplative,

I began to thrive as a person.

I began to share from my heart.

I began to offer what I had to give others.

I became myself.

I became and began to live who I was meant to be.

It certainly doesn't mean that I do it perfectly.

Or that it is always easy.

Or that I don't get called out of my comfort zone.

Because it's not about being comfortable.

It is able listening to the real and true and deep whispers of your heart.

And living from there.

I believe there is a place deep within us that was intended by God.

That is being shaped and guided by Him

with love and truth and joy.

I believe that when His Spirit is within us,

we are on the journey of becoming our true selves.

Snowflakes and wildflowers and individuality remind me of all of that.

And at the heart of it all . . . 

is the body of Christ.

We are all made differently with purpose and intention.

I believe that.

Not to make us arrogant, proud, or boastful,

but that we each were given uniqueness

for the benefit of all.

Not to be used and trampled,

but to come alongside in love and relationship.

When I read Chester's Way,

a story about little mice named Chester and Wilson and Lily,

I am reminded of the body of Christ.

It is simply good

that you are you

and I am me.

I like to say,

Be you. It takes all kinds.

Because it does.

It is not just sentiment.

When it comes right down to it,

it is biblical

and it is live giving relief and security

instead of jealousy and insecurity.

"The part you have to play is as unique and beautiful

as a snowflake

and one only you can fulfill." 

~ Jane Lee Logan

It is a beautiful thing to fit together.

Chester and Wilson were so much alike.

Lily was so different than them.

And they needed her strengths that were different from theirs.

We can be who God made us to be.

And that will be most honoring to God,

beneficial to those around us, 

and fulfilling to our own hearts.