One of a Kind
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
We are all unique! What an incredible thought to know that not another person on this planet has my identical DNA, family, hopes or my dreams. I am simply me. Ellen Fannon, (All God’s Creatures) shares some of her research from the dolphin world. Could it be that everything on earth is one of a kind as well?
*****
I am so blessed to live in the panhandle of northwest Florida. Not only do I have the joy of watching wild dolphins frolicking in the Gulf of Mexico, but as a veterinarian, I have also had the privilege of being up close and personal with captive dolphins in our local oceanarium.
Did you know that each dolphin has its own unique sound? This high-pitched squeak produced from the blowhole is known as the dolphin’s signature whistle. The signature whistle serves to identify each dolphin and to maintain group organization. Pregnant dolphins “sing” to their babies before they are born, teaching them to recognize their mother’s signature whistle. Dolphins can even mimic other dolphins’ whistles, which might be compared to humans calling each other by name.
As remarkable as God made dolphins—each with its individual sound of identification—He made humans in His image (Genesis 1:27), which makes us distinctively special. Scripture tells us that while He created people with similar characteristics, each of us is unique. We all have different passions, talents, gifts, abilities, and these are by His will and design (Romans 12:6-8). His plans for us were laid before we were even born (Jeremiah 1:5), as were the number of our days on earth (Psalm 139:16). He even knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30)! How incredible is the realization that the Creator of the universe knows us so intimately.
Just as dolphins feel a sense of security when they hear the signature whistles of their friends, how much more secure can I be resting in the love of the One who made me the unique individual I am?
Father, thank You for the uniqueness and beauty of all Your creation. Help me use my uniqueness to fulfill Your plans for my life. AMEN