Yours is an extraordinary moment in time. You are the only person like you ever seen in human history. After you have gone there will not be another person like you. Eight billion people live on the planet, but only one of them is you. You’re special, evident!
Les Brown, motivational speaker, emphasised the fact that everyone is unique. He reasoned, “You have to be if you survived as one out of 40 million sperm.” He continued, “You were born to win. You were born to do something valuable to the universe.”
You have all heard the saying, “They broke the mold when he (or she) was born.” If we were made from molds, this would be true for each one of us. No number 112 would be on our 600-model stamps. Each of us would be number 1.
Tanya, my wife bought a brand new outfit. She left one tag from the dress on her dresser. It was an expensive tag with elaborate borders and scripted messages. It was a fancy tag with a border and scripted words. I didn’t know what it meant, so I took the tag to my desk as I dressed up for work. It read, “The variations and nuances of shading and the uneven texture are what gives this garment its unique character and are not to be considered imperfections.” It got me thinking. Each one of us can benefit from the message contained on this tag.
God could have a similar message if each of us were given a tag when we were born. Each of us has different shades and textures. Everybody has unique characteristics that are not considered flaws.
Who would you choose to be if you were able? This question was asked of 51 representatives representing the nation in Miss America Pageants many years ago. Around eighty percent said they would choose themselves if given the choice. It was a proud moment for me to see the number of people who answered their own question. After that, I thought about what happened to the remaining twenty percent. Based on the opportunities that lay ahead, why didn’t they choose to be themselves?
Everyone should be happy to be themselves. There is no way to be like anyone else. You will fail if you attempt to be someone else. Only you can be yourself. You must do your best with the resources you have.
I sometimes feel that I should wear a sign around my neck that reads, “Work in Progress.” I know that God is not finished with me yet. Each day I live I am able to do more to make me better. This goes for everyone, including the gentleman sitting across me and the girl on the TV.
I recently bought a framed sign that says “The world needs who you were made to be.” I agree.
I saw a framed print in a bookstore that read, “God danced the day you were born. You are loved. God gave you to him as his gift. Your gift is His gift of Love to the world. You are his.” Wow!
Your masterpiece must be you. And aren’t we each a masterpiece? Aren’t we each a masterpiece more spectacular that the greatest work of art that any of mankind has ever made?
We were each made by God and God doesn’t make junk!
Psalms 139:13-16 puts it best, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. You are a fearful and wonderful maker, which I praise. Your works are amazing. When I was created in the secret location, my frame wasn’t hidden from your eyes. Your eyes were able to see my naked body when I was made in the deepest parts of the earth. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
You have the challenge of being the masterpiece you were meant to be. Yours is the first edition. Don’t waste time wishing that you were someone else. You are special. Your individuality is important. Accept who you truly are. Use the opportunity you’ve been given to develop your potential. You have three feet around you. Use them to your best advantage. You may not always have the control you need.
Your unique and wonderful creation is yours.
Rick Kraft is an Austin attorney and syndicated columnist. He also serves as the Executive Director of Leadership Roswell Program. To submit comments, contributions, or ideas, e-mail to [email protected] or write to P.O. Box 850 Roswell NM 88202-0850