As a preschooler, my sister often enjoyed the spotlight from an uncle who lived next door.
Pet names and merciless teasing were the price she paid for his love and attention. For a brief time we had geese on our farm, with babies in abundance. What fun to watch those tiny fluff balls grow. Bright and early one morning, Uncle Lowell greeted Gail with “How’s my duck?”
In no uncertain terms and with her tiny arms crossed, she replied, “I’m not a duck. I’m a gosling.” She knew exactly how she wanted to be identified, and no one would change that.
Uncle Lowell and the other adults laughed. Although I joined their laughter, I also learned a life lesson. That lesson did not take shape immediately, but over time, a deeper understanding formed. Gail saw a gift from God, latched onto that identity, and refused to let go.
If only we maintained that clarity of purpose as believers. A gosling will never be a duck, and Gail will never be anyone but Gail. Both, however, are masterpieces of creation, and God continues to use them for their unique purposes. God desires to do the same for each of us. He has a special plan for our lives and offers us the challenge and the opportunity to find and fulfill our unique plan and purpose.
As a child of God, recognize the wonder of your gift, latch onto your identity, and refuse to allow anything or anyone to alter it.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Diana Derringer is author of Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter, and More! She writes for several publications and enjoys traveling with her husband and serving as a friendship family to international university students. She offers life lessons from English expressions at dianaderringer.com.