Providence?  Preference?  Pressure?
By Becky Rule

In our recent science and health lessons, Joseph, Rachael and I have been studying the intricate details of God’s creation. We have looked at the remarkable variety of plants and how each is formed to be able to thrive in a particular environment. While studying the components of trees, grasses and flowers, we have observed the detail and function of each individual part. We have seen how God crafted certain animals to live in specific environments. It has been fascinating to see how every living thing is a perfect fit because each minute detail within that being is a perfect fit. God creates and provides each organism with what it needs in order to not only survive, but thrive in that circumstance. 

As I marvel and ponder this, I have begun to wonder how that underlying principle applies to us as humans. It is obvious to me that nothing is left to chance—every attribute of each feature of each plant or animal or human body is planned beyond our comprehension and has a specific purpose for a specific place. Nothing is insignificant. This got me to wondering if our individual preferences, tastes, interests, likes and dislikes are intentionally crafted. Could it be that being “fearfully and wonderfully made” includes more than the physical? Seed catalogs state that a particular plant “prefers” a particular amount of sunlight, or moisture, or soil type. If plants have God-given preferences, can what we consider “preferences” be more purposeful and intentional than it may first appear? Can our unique characteristics define our purpose and desired environment? Rather than forcing ourselves to adapt, can we accept how we were formed and find where we thrive? God’s expectations line up with the components He provides. For example, God does not equip a blade of grass expecting it to be a tree. While we may need to grow and develop, the raw materials are already there to fulfill His purpose. 

By now you may be asking what difference it makes. Maybe none, unless you are like me and struggle sometimes with feeling that you need to be something other than who you are. I am guilty of believing I need to have different attributes in order to please God. Is there a subtle yet strong message among us that says certain personalities, talents and gifts are more valuable to God’s kingdom than others, or am I dreaming? I’ve been unhappy with myself because I feel my characteristics are not what He can use. In other words, my personality, preferences, interests, etc. don’t fit into God’s agenda. However, maybe my expectations have been higher than His. A lilac can persevere all it wants yet it will never accomplish what a sequoia can. Likewise, a saguaro cactus will never be a violet or a rose no matter how hard it tries. It makes me think of the verse “Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.” (Luke 12:27) Think for a moment what this says to us regarding our outward appearance in the form of personality, talents, abilities and interests. Those things which we enjoy may look (and be) toilsome to others, but to us they are inwardly fulfilling and invigorating. Whose expectations are we living to? It is hard enough to prepare for what we are created to do without pressuring ourselves to go against our God-given tendencies in order to develop something “more valuable” to God. We can rejoice in who He made us because we have the components and qualifications required to fulfill His purpose. Beginning to understand this has brought freedom and celebration; I can say along with Mary, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” My soul is my mind, my will, and my emotions; and I am able to “increase the apparent size of God” because of the way He has created me. It is not something I have to force or adapt myself to; it is something He put into motion. “O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together!” (Psalm 34:3)

If we we cannot know ourselves and be ourselves…comfortably, how can we expect others to be comfortable around us? One of the common complaints non-Christians have about Christians is that they aren’t real. I can understand that. 

Of all religions, it seems that Christianity would give us permission to appreciate who we are as individuals, but I fear the opposite is true much of the time. There is more attention given to what we “ought” to be than celebrating who we are, finding our strengths and living them without apology. What is strength? How is it measured? It is measured by pushing or holding? The wind is strong; it can uproot trees, wear away mountains, move sand dunes, and tear down buildings. Trees are strong; they can withstand the wind, remain upright beneath heavy snow, grow in the roughest conditions, and endure fire. Mike is a wind type person. He pushes. We call his strength ambitious, motivated, persuasive (we won’t mention the down-side! J ). I am a tree-type person. I bend yet never move. We call that loyalty and steadiness (we won’t mention stubborn, inflexible, etc.). As the “windy” type, Mike has felt he needs to do a better job of holding still, and I have felt much pressure to do more moving. Yet, wind which tries to hold still is as ridiculous as a tree which tries to generate movement. In those instances, we have forfeited our strength in order to try to be something we aren’t created to be. Yes, sometimes I need to bend more like a willow and Mike needs to be a breeze instead of a hurricane. This is where the body of Christ is seen; we need each other and temper each other. What is comes easy and is fun for one is work for another. Some have a hunger to spend time in prayer, some thrive on reading Scripture, some like to be around people, some prefer to be alone. A struggle comes when we expect ourselves or others to be something other than what we were created. Have you ever felt guilty and frustrated for not finding the satisfaction in what others find so exhilarating? I have. In the process, we are doing ourselves and Jesus a great disservice. He made you for a particular environment and you have exactly what you need to live and thrive in that place. Can we rest in who we are?