The Father's Diverse Creation

We are blessed to be able to live in Hawaii on a part-time basis. Besides the weather, the residents are the friendliest people in the world. Even with all the tourism, the Hawaiian people, made up of all races, are kind, courteous, and helpful. This has certainly been our experience, and others have validated our observations. The residents seem to be genuinely happy! Of course, the most important reason we spend time in Hawaii is because five of our eight grandchildren live in Hawaii along with their Navy Lt. Commander dad, Paul, and our daughter Courtney.

When we’re in Hawaii, we can power walk 365 days a year. We can look for the green flash most evenings as the sun disappears into the Pacific Ocean. Jim is a retired Army Reservist and enjoys visiting the different military facilities and memorials, as well as taking advantage of services provided for both active and retired military. We also enjoy walking through the lobbies and tropical gardens of different hotels and resorts and appreciating what they have done to provide a beautiful Hawaiian atmosphere.

Then there are the people of this great state. There is such a diversity of cultures represented here. We enjoy discovering more about the heritage and history of those in our community. There is such beauty within heritage. We aren't taught the individual histories of many distinct people groups in the majority of schools in the US, so it is long forgotten. It is lumped together within a broad view of history focused on just a few people groups. We can see to learn more about those around us because notably does it give us a greater understanding of their culture, but it helps us to understand our own. To know and understand our cultures and heritages is to understand our mannerisms, our way of life.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

God loves diversity. We see it in the colors, textures, and patterns of nature. We find it in the intriguing characters in the bible. As his children, we all have different traditions, languages, dialect, accents, fashion, names, history, strengths, cuisines, weaknesses, and so much more. And, we were all created in His image. Until we embrace that about each other we will remain distant. We tend to be uncomfortable with that which is unfamiliar. So, become familiar and celebrate our differences. It’s what makes the such a beautiful and magnificent place.

It is easy to ignore all of these things and just treat everyone as though they are just like us, but that doesn't connect us. That doesn't engage us. That doesn't strengthen us. I encourage you to really connect with others. Genuinely get to know the person first. Then you will be able to start talking about cuisine, genealogy, or countries of descent.

Our Father loves to do that. The bible is full of history, genealogy, cultures, and diversity. It only makes sense that we'd follow Him in this too. And as the locals would say, “Ho’olu komo la kaua” or “Please join us!”

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, You lead me and you know what I need at every step along the way. Thank you for the many beautiful people of this world. I am blessed by your creativity.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus by Elizabeth George has long been a favorite source of encouragement and wisdom for women who hunger to know how God desires for them to live.

You can also get the companion A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus - Growth and Study Guide HERE!

REFLECT:

In what ways do you seek to get to know and connect with others?

REMEMBER:

God loves diversity. We see it in the colors, textures, and patterns of nature. We find it in the intriguing characters in the bible.

As his children, we all have different traditions, languages, dialect, accents, fashion, names, history, strengths, cuisines, weaknesses, and so much more. Until we embrace that about each other we will remain distant.