Wokingahm Word article - July 2010
The Poster ...
Many commentators have remarked on how David Cameron and Nick Clegg appeared so self-confident at their first news conference together in the garden of 10 Downing Street. They seemed at ease with each other, with representatives of the media and, above all with the awesome responsibilities they are taking on. It also appears that they are quite prepared to re-arrange cabinet meeting times to fit in with the time they can spend with their children, quite a 'modern, approach which again shows their confidence in their new positions and the success that they are sure will come from the new government. Recently I read an article suggesting this self confidence comes as a result of them both having been educated at a particular type of school. I hope that this is not the whole story because I am sure that background, personality and ability will have something to do with it as well.
Perhaps some of us will envy their self-confidence and social ease but I try to keep in mind the words on the poster that used to be displayed in my study, until it fell to pieces! With an appropriate picture, the words were "Thank-you Father, for making me, ME!"
I am sure that I am not alone in wasting too much time and energy wishing that I was really like somebody else. That person in our family or amongst our friends, or colleagues at work who is good at all the things we find difficult. I wish I could play the piano like....or, if only I was at ease with strangers like....if only I was prettier like....or better at sport like....Perhaps if I was taller shorter, older or younger than I am, than life would be so much better.
The poster reminds us to be thankful; for the person that I am now - a person created and loved by God. As the advert says 'I am who I am because of everyone' and it is up to me to make the best of what comes easily to me as well as those parts of life which are more difficult.
Through a combination of our genes and experience of life we are all gloriously
different. In fact there is no one quite like me which makes me very special
indeed. As the childrens hymn 'If I were a butterfly' tells us:
"For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile,
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child,
and I just 'Thank-you Father for making me, Me!'
A member of St. Mary's Church, Winnersh for Churches Together in Wokingham on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham