Sunday, February 13, 2011

A Season for Nonviolence Reflections: Week 3

"As we grow as unique persons, we learn to respect the uniqueness of others." - Robert H. Schuller

Understanding that we have a purpose reminds us that we are not an accident. The fact that we are alive and breathing today is not a product of mere chance, luck or coincidence. Before the world was created we were already on God's mind and precious to him. He was already thinking about how he could have a personal relationship with each one of us and lavish his love toward us.

Purpose
Rick Warren writes in his book The Purpose Driven Life: "God left no detail to chance. He planned it all for his purpose ... God never does anything accidentally, and he never makes mistakes. He has a reason for everything he creates. Every plant and every animal was planned by God, and every person was designed with a purpose in mind. God's motive for creating you was his love."

When we see life through this perspective we can begin to understand that everything that happens in our lives, good or bad, happens for a reason. There are no coincidences.

We Are All Unique
We can also understand that there is no person who is an exact replica of us. We are truly unique. No one has our make up and special abilities. For this reason, each person contributes to life in an intricate and essential way.

Many times we compare ourselves to others and want to trade places with them. But we must realize that we just need to be ourselves and discover our personalities, abilities and talents. We can celebrate our uniqueness and others uniqueness. Together with others we can make the world a better place.

It is sad that many times we focus on the differences we see and as a result fight and wage war. By accepting differences and recognizing the divine spark in everyone we can create community and social change. 

Practice:
This week celebrate the differences you see in others and yourself and remember that it is a part of God's beautiful tapestry.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

Previous weeks reflections:
Week 2
Week 1

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