Ever think the grass is greener when you think of a friend who is good at something you’re not very good at doing? I think we’re all guilty. Kelli directs us how to battle that by pointing us to truth. Check it out. It’s good stuff.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of Joy.”   Thank you for those wise words, Mr. President.  I find myself wishing to have something, anything, and everything that someone else has … daily.  And when that longing to be like others enters my heart, my joy goes away as quickly as the thoughts came sneaking in and taking its place.  

The Lord created us differently because He is brilliant enough to do so.  “Cookie Cutter” people would be boring.  Everyone having the same talent would be ho-hum.  Tasks being done the same way every day would get us know where.   God took great joy in making us individually.  One God with ultimate creativity crafted us just the way He wants us to be. 

When we choose not to embrace, be thankful for, or be comfortable in the very person God creates us to be … we lose our joy.

1. Think of your Maker.  God made you in His image.  He made you wonderfully.  And He thinks you are worth the making.  Thank Him for your life; ask Him what you should do with the way He created you, and think of Him when you see yourself in the mirror. 
2. Think of others.  When you think of others, there is very little room to think of yourself.  We lose sight of the individual gifts we have been given to share with others when we are wanting someone else’s gifts.  God is so excited about how He made YOU.  Where you are, who you are and the way you function will indeed be used to bless others. 
3. Think of yourself.   Study who you are, find out what you love to do, search for what brings you great Joy.  These are the very specific ways you were crafted by God.  These will bring Him Glory and bring you great joy.  

Next time you are sitting in an airport or walking through a grocery store, look up.  Look around at all the different types of people.  It’s amazing!  Not one of us are the same … and that’s just looking at the exterior.  God has some kind of creativity, and He didn’t hold back on us!  He loves us so much, He took special time and efforts to make us like nothing else He created.  Be glad for that. It is a great gift.

Camper Corner

Grab some paper or open up a note on your phone.  Think of five things different and great about you.  If you need help, ask your mom or dad, friend or teacher.  How could those things be used to honor God?