Variety

“Variety is the spice of life.” That’s true for me because I like spice and I like variety. I have a spice cabinet to prove it. Not that there are hot spicy types there, but lots of other things. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, thyme, and on and on I could go. 

I suppose variety shows up in my life in many ways. All the places we’ve lived. The numerous jobs my husband and I have had. The variety of climates we’ve lived in. The assortment of colors and styles in our closet. It’s amazing to me that some people are content to live in one place all of their lives. And some only wear gray or black. Agreed, that may be stylish, but I need more of the color pallet. I’ve thought of always wearing red (my favorite color) as my signature, so to speak. But I know that would get boring before too long.

Just look at all of the colors and different hues of colors that God has built into His creation. The birds, the fish, the flowers all shout out His magnificence and creativity. And have you ever seen two sunsets exactly the same? Do you ever get bored with God’s paintings in the sky?

We can even see variety in the way God works in people’s lives. Jesus dealt with each individual He met in a unique way. He didn’t heal everyone with the same words or actions. He provides for each of us in different ways. After all, He made us. He knows us better than anyone else. He understands how we think. He knows exactly what we need and how we can best glorify Him. That should engender trust, even though we sometimes question His ways.

So take a lesson from Jesus. Be creative in your approach to people. Even our children can’t all be taught the same way. Ask God for wisdom in how you deal with individuals and situations today. The Creator has made us in His likeness, which includes being  creative. Enjoy that potential in you.

Hmmm… I think I’ll write a poem. What will you do?