SPATIAL (Siopao Ninang? 😬)
As a mother of three daughters who are equally gifted, similar and different at the same time, it is most challenging to make each one feel special. Talking to them at the same time with divided attention definitely cannot achieve that. “Alone” time with each of them is the key (of course, without the nagging!). Maybe that’s the reason we should really spend dedicated time conversing (praying and listening) with our God. How else can we feel special among the 7.5 billion people on earth. But that’s what each one of us is.. Special.

It is common knowledge that people have different intelligence, talents, abilities, character, attitude, and disposition. That each of us can use any of this attribute for good and to serve others make us all special. That each one can function with others in a unique way, in the different permutations of these characteristics make each one noteworthy. And maybe this “special” status is unknown to the untrained mind and heart, but never to the One God who has designed (and loved!) us all.

Recently, in church, a powerful preacher talked about spiritual gifts and how people with different gifts “balance” each other. We cannot all have the same gifts, for each plays a purpose in the grand scheme of things. We cannot all be good just in one task; there are many and different tasks to accomplish. We cannot be the only one good in our job. It will be tiring and burdensome (We need rest as much as we need work!). The bigger the project, the more variety and details in the work, and the more people dedicated to each duty is necessary. Maybe one person can try to do it all. But what becomes of him? And what becomes of the work?

“To each his own” can be said of purpose and “talents” as much as preferences. We simply cannot and should not compare. To each person, his purpose at a given time. To each individual, a “gift” from above to fulfill God’s purpose. Each one is special.

But what can be a better evidence of how Special and important we are than God becoming man and dying to pay for the wages of our sins and give us eternal life? A Life for a life. His life for ours. His holiness exchanged for our sins, to uphold justice within His grace. Paid in full. Special beyond space and time, You and me.. and my daughters. 😊

To feel special we should think “spatial” (some pronounce “special” like that Ninang! 😬) Everyone has a space to occupy (what is “matter”, Ninang?).. to fill.. to make better (improve Ninang!)..like a piece of a puzzle. Do not be discouraged by what others have. Do not lose heart when others get there or get it first. Do not resent that others have more. Think spatial. You have a place. You are not forgotten. You are AS special. Own that space.
– Ninang special spatial thoughts
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a mans gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8)

“To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.” (Matthew 25:15)

“Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”(2 Peter 3:9)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”(John 3:16)