Different and Alike
Years ago my children had a book called Different and Alike. The story was designed to remind children that we’re all unique and special, yet we have much in common with one another. Parents (reading the book) and children (being read to) were urged to appreciate our differences, respect each other as unique individuals, and treat others with love and kindness.
When you view my introductory photo, the first perception may seem that this message is about flowers. After all, I do love flowers and frequently post pictures and lessons I learn from growing and caring for plants.
Actually, my thoughts this week are inspired by nature–in this case, two hydrangeas. Correction–two blossoms of a hydrangea that came from the same plant.
What? How can one plant produce two vastly different blossoms? Both are lovely, but one is lilac hued and the other is pink. The lilac flower is older and beginning to show the brown of maturity in its petals. The pink is a fresher bloom. Yet, we also observe that the two flowers have many similarities.
Appreciate our differences
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14)
Our Creator made each of us–we’re shaped by the Master’s hand–unique and beautiful in our own special way. The world would be boring if we were all just alike, identical robots, with no special traits and characteristics. Each person on Earth has a personality like no other; we have multiple talents and unique interests.
This uniqueness also grants us personality quirks and imperfections. We aren’t quite perfect, even though we are God’s special creation. Sometimes we become impatient with one another because of our differences. That’s when we need love, compassion, and patience for ourselves and for others.
Show respect, love, and kindness to one another
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:9-10)
Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
The hydrangea plant needs a variety of things to grow, thrive, and produce lovely blooms:
- Good soil
- Water
- Sunlight and shade
- Enrichment (fertilizer)
- Protection from drought, weeds, wild animals, etc
- Love from the gardener
We humans also need a variety of things to grow, thrive, and produce actions which are lovely in our Creator’s eyes. If we live in such a way that others see love and beauty in us, then we share our Father’s love with all whom we interact.
The Master gardener guides our way:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Our fruit is made to be shared:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:23-24)
Please feel free to share other ways you believe we humans are different and alike. Can you let us know a way you share your fruit with others?
Wishing you a blessed week, my friends.
P.S. Hydrangea blooms vary in color based on the make-up of the soil, particularly variations in the Ph.
We are all alike in that we were created in God’s image, yet not all are God’s children. We must submit ourselves to Christ and accept His sacrifice to be part of His family. As part of the human race, we are different in various races of humanity. (I love your hydrangea pics.) Thanks, Katherine!
Thank you for sharing your insights, Barbara. I wanted to include that we are created in God’s image, but didn’t want to make my message too long. So glad you added that important point. Peace and blessings!
Thank you for a beautiful visual showing us how to appreciate the beauty of differences and unique value.
Marilyn, you know I’m always looking for ways to include pictures of our Father’s awesome creation! Thank you for your kind encouragement. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Your photos are lovely. We do need to appreciate our differences and the differences aging brings to us. 🙂
Oh, yes. . . aging (sigh). But with added years, I hope and pray we have acquired added wisdom, and the desire to share the Good News of our Savior with others. I’m so grateful for our Father’s gift of nature, life, and beauty. We are so blessed. Wishing you good health and joy, Debbie.
Thank you for the great blog, Katherine, and for the reminder to be patient with others as well as ourselves. I’ve been meditating on John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.” This is my prayer—only possible through His strength!! Blessings, Katherine!
Kim, thank you for sharing John 15:12. Isn’t it wonderful that our Savior loves us so much and we are given the ability to share that amazing love with others? Thank you for your encouragement and support. Wishing you continued blessing with your writing and sending a shout of joy for your recent contract for your devotional book. I’m looking forward to it!
Great visuals for your application, Katherine. Thank you.
I’m grateful for your encouragement, Diana. Wishing you a blessed week.
I love how God instructs us through creation. He has two books: the Bible and Creation.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Candyce. Your comment reminds me that God teaches us in many different ways–we just need to make sure we are watching, listening, studying His word, and keeping our minds, eyes, ears, and heart open to His guidance. Blessings!
Beautiful reminder that God’s creations are unique and gifted. Our grands are learning that there are many different people in the world and God loves them all. Have a blessed day! 🙂
We share our wisdom with our grandchildren and they share lessons with us. Aren’t we blessed with the gifts He provides for us? Wishing you joy and blessings, Melissa, and get well prayers.
How amazing that two flowers from the same plant can be different colors. One of my hydrangeas is pink and the other has not bloomed. Our God is amazing too. Thanks Katherine for the inspiration
Our God is most definitely amazing. I’m so thankful for the blessings nature sends me each day and for a loving Father who guides our journey. Hope you are well, Yvonne. I love the travel pictures you share.
Thank you for sharing, Katherine. Your pictures are beautiful – and a great reminder of our unique beauty as individuals. I pray, and do my best to encourage, others as they seek to do the unique things God created them to do.
Thank you for praying, Joni, our prayers make a difference. I’m grateful for your encouragement. We are beautiful and unique; our Creator had a plan for us long before we were born–and He’s still guiding us on our journey. Peace and blessings!