Something to Think About
Reflections by Chuck Cluff, Atherton resident since 2004
Ephesians 2:10
We are God’s masterpieces, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
It’s a no brainer to realize God loves variety. Everything everywhere is different. The only exact duplicates are copies, replicas, man-made. People are not assembly-line products, not even two. Identical twins get closest to being the same, but there are always small physical and larger personality differences. Where we are very original is in our minds; how we put life together within ourselves. Contrast between ourselves and others is evident in our thinking; what and how we think. No two individuals understand life precisely the same way. God seems to like that, actually made it that way; thus we ought not expect or even want another to see everything, actually anything, exactly as we do.
An ideal potluck is when each dish is an original, having its own unique and particular taste. In fact, aren’t we somewhat disappointed if the seasoning of a dish is just like another? Carrying this over to our own individuality; a good discussion depends on each participant having his/her own thinking, own ideas, own way of looking at things, and sharing them. Not speaking as oneself detracts from how interesting and profitable a discussion might be, even just talk around the table. A small relatively unimportant comment can open a new window for thinking and conversation.
It is a puzzlement why we sometimes get offended when someone we are talking with has another way of seeing or understanding what we are discussing. Maybe it should bother us instead, if someone doesn’t feel free and safe enough with us to give an opinion he/she knows is very different than ours. We can each celebrate we are an only one, knowing God loves this and meant for it to be. Our self most shows as we express our thoughts and feelings. We can confidently say, “This is what I think and feel right now.” We always hold that at some future time we might see it another way, but as for this moment, let’s be out there as we are!
Recent Comments