For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
(Psalm 139:13-14 ESV)
I love the passages in Psalm 139; especially the part “fearfully and wonderfully made”. Yes, God made us all unique and we should embrace that to honor Him.
To tell you the truth, the revelation that we are all unique did not come to me until recently. Very often I was jealous of the abilities others had and I did not. This jealousy started at a very young age. My sister was the talented one; she could paint, sing like an angel, play instruments without difficulty. It seemed that I only had practical traits; I was good at math, reading and memorization. Like I said: practical, no inkling of being creative at all.
I so wanted to be creative, just like my sister was. I even could not sow or cook; how embracing. I barely passed home-ed classes in school. Little did I know that my creativity laid somewhere else. It took years to realize that.
When I rewrote the “About Me” section of my photography website, I noticed that I have been photographing people and things from a very young age. Of course, back then, I photographed on film. But the gift was there. I have very found memories as my dad taught me how to hold a camera. I photographed places all over Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Always in awe about the beautiful places God created for us to enjoy.
Today, I still like to capture places that are unique or beautiful. But even more so I like to capture people in moments that create memories. There is just something about that that makes my heart soar. Yes, it took me years to recognize the gift God gave me so long ago. I embrace the gift with all my heart.
My sweet friend, you too are fearfully and wonderfully made. God gave you gifts that are unique to you, and you alone. Stop looking at others and their gifts and talents. Open your heart and let God show you your gifts and talents.
By the way, over the years I have learned to cook and be even creative with it. However, sowing is still something that I cannot master.
Love & peace,
Iris
As I was reading this post, I couldn’t help but smile. You are talented and have a gift from God. Your photography book entitled “Fill Me to Overflowing” is evidence of your ability to capture the beauty of God’s creation. I love how you’re moving towards photographing people. It’s easy to become uptight when a photographer is attempting to capture a photo. I just know that you have the ability to help them relax and capture the essence of who they are. I look forward to seeing more of your people pictures Iris.
This was a great reminder to me too. God has given me talents and abilities that are unique for the purposes He has for my life. May we always encourage one another.
Blessing and love my friend,
Debbie
It is good to be reminded that we are each unique and we don’t need to compare ourselves to others. That is hard to do often.
God bless you friend.
Bethany