God created us all so beautifully different. Each of us with our own designated purpose to bring Him glory and impact the world positively. Though we live in a culture that seems to want to put many people in the same mold. I came across a drawing recently that someone had done. They were of different species being given a test by their teacher. The test was to climb a tree.  Now, one of the animals was a monkey who would find the test simple and best suited for him. The others were a penguin, an elephant, a fish, a seal, a dog and a bird. I think we can all agree, that the test was unfair. For this test was only best suited for one animal and to expect the others to do so was unjust. Now it is pretty awesome how a monkey climbs a tree, just as God designed him to. Although it is also pretty awesome what all the other species of animals can do. Though just as we don’t expect a fish to climb a tree, we can’t put each other in the same mold and frown upon one another if we don’t fit it. I loved this drawing as it is such a good representation of the pressure’s society can put on us to all fit in the same mold. Even though we were all created differently by God, for different purposes. I recently watched a short video of a very gifted young autistic boy. Now his verbal communications are a struggle. However, he communicates through his gift of art. He is a wonderful painter and his art brings many people joy. I know somebody who does not do well to an academic standard, however, I’m almost certain could take a part a vehicle and put it back together again. He has helped many people over the years with car trouble. As a culture we tend to label people that if they are not book smart, struggle academically or socially different, that they are not as important or valued. Although their value is just as important, but in a different way. Just as we wouldn’t ask a fish to climb a tree, we can’t ask someone to do something other than what they were created to do. Although if you ask a fish to swim, they do it beautifully. Friend, may we learn to embrace each other’s skills, abilities and talents. For that is God’s purpose for them; just as you too, have a wonderful purpose in this world. May we not let the world tell us or judge us on what our gifts should be, but use the gifts we know God has given us. For just as God created the monkey to climb, the fish to swim, God created you for your purpose. Embrace it.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Psalm 139:14 NIV

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.