There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day. Then God said, "Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens." God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind; and God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day. Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind"; and it was so. God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:19-25
Friday was the day for a special outing with the grandchildren to the Ft. Worth Zoo. Providing annual passes to the zoo is one of the best investments any grandparent can make. Along with having an opportunity to be with the children in a somewhat controlled environment, the wonder you see in their eyes as they look at the animals is priceless.
While negotiating the crowds and keeping track of the kids, there was some time for a little animal gazing of my own. As I looked at the array of animals on display, my mind recalled the passage above from Genesis. The spectacular plumage of the fowls, the intricate markings of the deer, the assortment of furs, hoofs and feathers; all were amazing!
But what really captured my attention on this trip was something common but unique for all of the creatures...their eyes. Each one of God’s creation has eyes suited to its purpose. Some are small and intricate with bright colors surrounding them. Others are soft and dark allowing them to blend in with surroundings for protection. Some have large lids that close and cover their eyes while others have no lids at all. On some, the eyes are scarcely noticeable; while on others they are very pronounced and prominent. An owl was brought onto a stage and I saw the great size of the eyes that see at night capturing whatever light is available to see. And God made them all!
My heart became involved with my eyes as I realized the uniqueness of God’s creation. While some would look upon the mountain ranges and ask, “How can you look at this and not believe there is a God who created it?” I saw the hand of the creator in the beasts of the fields. It was amazing!
I was interrupted, however, by the demands of my grandchildren. “Vandaddy! Can we ride the train? Will you carry me? Why (fill in the blank)?” It was then I looked at their eyes and realized God’s lesson for the day. They were each as unique and beautiful as any of God’s creation. In their eyes I could see a whole world opening up before them. God had made them with a purpose in mind just as He had all of His creation. Yes, it was good.
God has made you in the same way. Your uniqueness is a part of His plan for your life. There is a beauty in every individual displayed through the intricate markings from the hand of the Creator. Red, brown, yellow, black and white, we are all equally precious in His sight. Celebrate your uniqueness today and the uniqueness of others!
Prayer
Our Father and Creator,
Help us to celebrate the uniqueness of our lives and the purpose for which we were made. May we also celebrate and respect others regardless of their race, color or difference from us recognizing they were made by the same hands that formed us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Help us to celebrate the uniqueness of our lives and the purpose for which we were made. May we also celebrate and respect others regardless of their race, color or difference from us recognizing they were made by the same hands that formed us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
