One-Of-A-Kind
By Karen D’Amore
“I praise you
because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
In recent years, I’ve developed a
fond appreciation for one-of-a-kind, handmade goods…especially jewelry. This
type of jewelry strongly contrasts with what I’ve purchased in the past, which
was mass- produced and manufactured from expensive materials and gems. Within
my growing collection of handmade pieces, one particular necklace is among my
favorites. Formed from inexpensive materials, this particular one-of-a-kind
necklace was handmade for me by a precious friend. Knowing someone cared for me
enough to create something custom made me feel valued and loved. From a
material perspective, this favorite necklace wouldn’t be considered “valuable.”
However, because of the designer’s love and unique tailor-made design, I value
this necklace beyond words.
Reflecting on Psalm 139:14, I’m
reminded that we too were each handmade, uniquely designed by God. “Before I
formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV, emphasis added).
God formed each of us in a way that cannot be replicated. He selected our
personalities, established our talents and gifts, and crafted our physical
attributes and traits. Our aptitudes, interests, temperaments and abilities are
varied and distinctive. We are each remarkably original. By divine design, we
are each a one-of-a-kind!
Throughout my life, I wrestled with
dissatisfaction when comparing myself to others. Desiring to be like them, I
attempted to mimic others’ desirable attributes. God never compares us to other
people, nor does He replicate us. Considering this, I realized it is
potentially insulting to Him to be dissatisfied with the “me” He’d so
intricately handmade. As I viewed my uniqueness through the work of His hands,
I resonated deeply with Psalm 139:14 and tattooed it on my ankle. It’s freeing
to finally be able to value and embrace my individuality!
Ephesians
2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (NIV). Considering this, I’m
impacted by another purpose for our uniqueness. God not only created each of us
to be unique, He has planned and willed
something uniquely purposeful for each of us to do! I’m awed by the realization
that in this highly diverse and competitive world… I (you) am uniquely purposed
and divinely formed to fill a place in this world that nobody else can fill…except
me (you)!
Strive to be the original God
created you to be…valuing and
celebrating your exclusivity. Compliment your Designer by becoming the best you that you can be for His glory.
Remember, God doesn’t create junk:
You are Be-You-tiful…You are You-nique…You are a…One-of-a-Kind!
Be
Yourself!
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
Consider… who is the YOU…God designed you to be?
FURTHER
READING:
Married to Dan,
Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns
Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.
