“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”-  Psalm 139:14

Adi and Nova are sisters- same litter, same color, same size.  They each inherited their parent’s love for man, dogs, and the outdoors.  Both are known for their friendliness, incredibly shiny coats, and propensity for licking.

Yet these girls have their distinct differences.  Adi is built like a lean distance runner and Nova a muscular sprinter.  Nova is alert and ready for action while Adi dozes nearby.  Adi is cautious, and Nova is daring.   Nova will hold a conversation with you while Adi sits quietly listening.   Adi appears more serious and Nova more playful.  Nova’s passionate about retrieving the ball while Adi’s passion is greeting the person who threw the ball.

One day as I was watching the pups play, I found myself wondering why I so eagerly embrace the differences in these Labs but struggle to embrace my own unique makeup.

 Too often I compare myself to others and think I would be a better mother, wife, friend, and teacher if I were more outgoing, quick witted, articulate, bolder, adventurous, spontaneous, and stylish.  Lovingly the Lord is helping me see myself through His eyes.  That this cautious woman with a sensitive, perceptive heart, who prefers routines, embraces the familiar, would rather listen than talk, and is more comfortable in the great outdoors than a shopping mall, is exactly how He wants me.  That His hands specially crafted me this way. And, only this combination of qualities could carry out the specific plans He has written for my life. 

The same is true for you.  Can you see how He’s designed you to match the plans He’s written for your life?

 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -Ephesians 2:10

© 2019, Lessons from a Lab, Beth Alisan.  All Rights Reserved.