Designer Genes
Do you like wearing jeans? When I was growing up, the popular jeans were Wranglers and Levi’s 501s. In middle school, I wanted to be cool and wear them, but my physique didn’t really groove with those jeans, so it was a source of struggle for me, per the normal middle school angst. Thankfully, as I’ve aged, I’ve come to learn that there’s a plethora of jeans that can be bought, in a variety of sizes and shapes along with an extensive range of price points - cheap jeans to the super ritzy and pricey options. I’ve even heard there’s a brand called True Religion.
With that said, let’s think about the interplay between jeans and genes. We may want to wear a certain brand of jeans, maybe even designer jeans, but let’s consider that all of us have designer genes hardwired into our existence. I say this because of what we read in Psalm 139:13-14, “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.”
When you read these verses, what comes to your mind? How do you feel? What are your reactions? Have you thought about how God made you? How God wired you together? Have you considered what feels natural and cohesive to you?
In the last few days, I’ve been reading Psalm 139 and it’s been interesting to think about what God is saying in these verses and what they could mean to us. Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, regardless of what style and cut of jeans are most suitable for your external frame. In thinking about your designer genes, consider as well, that you’ve also been given many incredible abilities from God. Our talents and abilities are unique to the designer genes in us, such that things that are easy and natural for you could be full-blown stresses for me.
The other side of the coin can be equally true. For example, I have a friend who is an accountant and when I look at what she does, I experience uber high levels of stress. I’ve even had to put my toe in the kiddie pool with some of her work and it was an awful experience for me. In contrast, I have a natural proficiency with languages that makes them fun and playful for me. My friend has different designer genes than me and my designer genes are very different than hers. Hence the reality: that we are each fearfully and wonderfully made, distinct and wonderfully unique! Full stop.
In addition to talents and abilities, each of us looks, thinks, feels and engages in life in very unique ways. It’s not bad to be an individual and I’d propose that when we celebrate our individuality, this can be a way that we both honor and worship our Creator. To this end, let’s be certain to value the individuality that we see and experience in others as well as ourselves. Your designer genes are magnificent!