I hope this morning’s image makes you smile. It does me.
The Lord brings so many different characters into our lives; each one of them are beloved by Him. I sometimes forget that. Years ago, I gained insight on giving “others” more value while reading some of the stories of Winnie the Pooh. Each day I meet new characters and the Lord reminds me that although they are different from my norm, they are valuable.
I developed a philosophy that every person could be identified as one of the characters in that story, Christopher Robin, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga & Roo. All very different personalities yet they all work together to bring love & understanding to their world and to accomplish their tasks.
While reading I Corinthians 12 I am reminded of these characters and how they interact when I read these words that Paul wrote.
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. 5 There are different ways to serve the same Lord, 6 and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do. 7 The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” I Corinthians 12:4-7 CEV
God the Father has written our story with purpose and design, Jesus came to show love to all of us and the Holy Spirit is here to lead us each day.
While some of us act like owl with the gift of administration, others show hospitality like Tigger. Pooh is always encouraging, and Rabbit makes sure everyone has a task to do. Piglet and Roo are there to remind us that we should always reassure those who are younger and inexperienced while Kanga provides the nurturing and love that we all need. Eeyore reminds us that everyone has fears and self-doubts that we need our friends to help us through the tough times.
Instead of looking at those around us and either being jealous of their gifts or critical of them it’s important for us to remember that it is God who gives the gifts, and they are not for our benefit but the benefit of others.
Who do you see around you? Some are here to help us grow and others need our help.
Let the Spirit lead!