I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalms 139:14

As I sit under an old oak tree I look up into its branches stretching out forever entangling among themselves, reminding me of an enormous woven basket waiting to catch pieces of fluff from the clouds above. Looking down I see a melody of color, ranging from the deep brown earth to a plentiful burst of blue, pink and yellow, periodically adorning the rich green ground covering. Lounging against the enormous oak, the fluttering of a beautiful butterfly, ignoring my presence, crosses my vision and lands gracefully on a petite flower. Oh, to have wings to fly wherever and whenever I want to. Envying this free spirited creature, I know I have a much greater blessing with a much greater purpose in life.

I look down to discover a small mound of ants, quickly darting in and out of the tiny, minute holes of their home. Amazed at their organization, some forming a line going out of the mound, while others race each other to get back into their underground home. Some seemed to be passing off pieces of treasured findings, while still others run circles around themselves as I had seen squirrels do when they are looking for buried goodies. Oh, to be so small and so mighty at the same time. Yet again, I know I have a much greater purpose in my life.

I notice the flowers, dancing gracefully amidst their natural stage of beauty. Their leaves gently moving back and forth keeping beat to a song of nature whispered out in a melody by the wind. Synchronized into producing an ever so compelling ballad in the woods, the wind touches my face gently, making me think of what it would be like to be so gentle one minute and so forceful the next.

I close my eyes to consider all these sights stretching out before me. Yes, I could be as a free spirited butterfly, or a small but mighty ant, or even the passive or aggressive wind. But, my blessing is far greater than all of these things. My purpose is constantly being enhanced upon. God has made me in His likeness. With His own hands He has fearfully and wonderfully made me. He has given me the gift of life as a unique individual. I am a diamond in the rough being polished through trials to become a one of a kind gem.

I am in awe of the many things God has created, but I am truly blessed to be me, to be able to have the opportunity to serve His purpose. Thank You Lord that You made me who I am.