Different but same

 

You may think I am a weirdo. But, over the last few years, I have taken delight in looking at trees. I mean really looking at them. Seeing their uniqueness and beauty. Wherever I go, if I see a tree that has some personality, I just have to take a picture of it.  And if you really look at them, you will see their personality. It is amazing how God has made everything the same but different. What I mean is that when we look at the above pictures we see trees. but they are unique in their own way. One at the top is at my new home that is being built. It has already dropped their leaves to display their wonderful structure and limbs. And it even has its own creativity of how it wants to appear.  Like it has "dressed" itself to show its limbs reaching out as if to pick something out or reach out and shake my hand.

The other is in my front yard at my current home. It still has its beautiful yellow leaves on it. It is as if it wants to show off its beautiful coat of many colors. And I picture it reaching up to the sky like it is raising their arms in praise. 

           

I am sure you see your own version of those pictures but this is what comes to my mind. Just like those trees, we are the same but different. We reach out and reach up for others for many things. We show off our colors through actions and words, not just externally with appearances. Have you ever wondered what others see in you? We all "people watch", sometimes it isn't intentional but we do. What are you showing others? Do you walk the talk that you believe? 

I think my trees are giving me a life lesson. To be myself, to love myself, and to love and accept the differences that we all have. Jesus loves us all, despite our differences. He doesn't see that, all he sees is that we are made in his image and we are his children.  So love starts with loving yourself and the differences you have. You are beautiful. 

1 Peter 4:8: "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins".

Psalm 139:14: "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made". 

Ephesians 5:29: "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church"

Ephesians 4:2: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love".

Love to all,