As the rain gently falls, I watch out the window at the bird feeders in our backyard.

An array of colorful feathered friends feast on the seeds my husband has put out.

But this tasty feast attracts another creature.

A squirrel.

In an attempt to deter our furry friend from trying to ascend the pole to the feeders, my husband has put up a squirrel stopper.

These are sometimes also referred to as squirrel baffles.

Ironically, these deterrents that do not stop the squirrel from trying to reach the treasure above.

Over and over again.

His attempts are in vain.

The abilities of the squirrel and birds differ.

A squirrel can climb and scamper.  

A bird can fly through the air with ease.

Both God’s creatures, but with different gifts.

Just like you and I.

I love how God uses these moments to whisper a message into my heart.

In a world that fosters competition, we do not always recognize or value the fact that we all have different gifts.

We compare ourselves to those around us.

And like the squirrel trying to ascend the pole, we want to put ourselves in someone else’s spot.

Maybe you have been there.

I know that I have.

And when I have tried over and over again to fit somewhere I think I should be versus where God wants me to be, I turn to His word.

“ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”   

Romans 12:4-8 NIV

Just like the squirrel baffle does not prevent this creature from his attempts, so too our human nature does not prevent us from comparing ourselves with others.

But take heart, friend.

God has a special gift for each of us to share with the world.

When we embrace rather than compare our gift, we can offer it cheerfully with those around us.

And we can encourage others to share their gifts as well.

What is the gift you offer to the world today?