Jason Fix Please
NOTES OF HOPE
March 27, 2019
Umbrellas
As winter morphs into spring, Indiana has seen more than its share of precipitation. And of course, it seems to always be happening on Sundays. Never have I used an umbrella so much!
Recently I snapped this photo at church during a women’s bible study. I was struck by the diversity of the umbrellas. Such a range of patterns and colors, all lined up together while drying out. No two are alike. Yet, they all serve the same common purpose. These umbrellas are a sign of diversity coupled with unity!
Another group of ladies who meet at church are the Sew Good Quilters. They create an array of the most gorgeous quilts with such a range of patterns and colors, all lined up together over the quilt racks. No two are alike. Yet, they all serve the same common purpose. These quilts are also a sign of diversity coupled with unity!
Recently, It started pouring rain while I was attending a writers’ workshop. In a hurry, I grabbed my coat from the rack and put it over my head to protect me from the torrents of rain falling from the sky, my umbrella being safely tucked away in my car. Once inside the car, I noticed it was not my coat. I groaned, knowing I had to return it, and so I did. Surveying the coat rack, I was surprised at how many coats looked the same. Mine had been right next to the one I mistakenly took. I sheepishly hung up the drenched coat, wondering what the owner would think. Next time I will bring a bright purple coat, providing some diversity among all the blacks, grays and charcoals. Yet, they all serve the same common purpose, albeit with little sign of diversity.
The diversity of life is a refreshing, rejuvenating and remarkable aspect of God’s design. Seeing those umbrellas and quilts made me smile at the beauty and brilliance they brought to life. Seeing those coats brought only consternation and concern.
God created us to be unique individuals.
God also created us to be one in the Spirit.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1
May we, who are such a diverse people, seek to live together and be coupled with unity!
