‘How utterly amazing is it that we all are created so uniquely, every single one of us has our own DNA that no one else shares and we differ by over a MILLION locations in our DNA.’
This statement by Lee Silver, Ph.D., professor of molecular biology and public policy, Princeton University just blows my mind and shows us just how extraordinarily we are all so very special. Daily and sometimes moment by moment I stand in awe of our Creator, it is so true that His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours, how could all this possibly not be for some divine plan that we are ALL a part of.
For those of us who have two or more children, it’s hard not to observe that each of our children are unique in their way even though they have the same parents. It’s often been said that the Bateman genes run strong. It’s true; you only have to look at our grandchildren to see the Bateman side throughout. All of them are so unique, so themselves in so many ways. It’s stunning and breathtaking to consider and absorb.
Today Scientists know so much more about our DNA code. We are all prewired with our individual, never to be repeated code that makes us unique and valuable. We are like precious stones, each one of us.
It’s important that we respect and value each other’s individuality. It’s true, as a human race we have always struggled to do this well. We are all created equally yet with our uniqueness, and within that uniqueness, there is enormous potential. We all present differently, but the same potential within us allAs parents it’s very important for us to be aware of this truth so we can set our children free to be themselves and excel
As parents, it’s very important to be aware of this truth not only for ourselves, but so we can set our children free to be themselves and to excel using their gifting and talents. Not being aware of this can make our journey through life painful and destructive. We stumble, we fall, and sometimes we even crash and burn. I’m not saying that isn’t part of life, but there is something intriguing when we are acutely aware of how we have been knit together. Helping our children understand this will propel them into places where they will excel in life.
We need to let our children know that they will be known for what they CAN do and not by what they can’t do. In fact, studies have been done to show how destructive it is to try and put children into boxes they just don’t fit in. If a child is not encouraged in what they are naturally good at and only experiences adults focused on things they struggle with they will soon feel very undervalued and act out in negative behaviour. I’m sure you’ve seen this exhibited before perhaps in your life, through the life of a friend, family member or maybe your child. If, it has been the latter, don’t worry, that can be changed, and that’s exactly what I’m encouraging you to do.
One of my favourite preachers Joseph Prince has a saying ” right believing leads to right living”. This rings true for this article and what I’m endeavouring to share today. When a child or adult (for that matter) believes they are a failure, it will produce a very negative way of living. This may be evident through: wrong thinking, a series of bad choices, language, actions, behaviour towards others, self-loathing, self-care, and the list goes on.
We all need significant people in our lives who understand us holistically. People who recognise our potential, and will encourage us to excel in our uniqueness. At Little Miracles, we are doing our best to help our staff understand their individual uniqueness and to know what their strengths are so we can help them build confidence in themselves so that they can flourish in life.
Needless to say, it’s been a fascinating journey. We started with our Blaxland Centre with our son, Ben, who has become qualified as a Strengths Finder Coach working with our team. It’s been exciting to see how the staff have enjoyed it and have experienced so much personal growth.
Rob and I have always been great believers in the understanding and revelation that everyone is born full of potential, value and significance. To see people get a glimpse of that and then begin to live it out is stunning because when we realise how unique we are and how valuable we are ourselves, it is natural to appreciate others in a whole new light.
This reminds me of a quote by Marianne Williamson that I’d like to share:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s for everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”I want to encourage all you wonderful parents out there to look for what your child or children are naturally good at, don’t approach this with preconceived ideas or expectations, watch, ask questions of them, listen carefully, give them space and opportunities to show you and then encourage them, believe in them and fight for them.”
Sometimes it’s hard to see strengths immediately, especially when we are society tells us what strengths should look like. As an example, school work, there is such an importance placed on that, and sometimes that isn’t space where strength may be found. If this is the case, don’t be discouraged, many successful people have struggled in this area, and as we know, at the end of the day, that doesn’t determine their value or potential. Look, listen, spend time with your children, and you may find yourself surprised at what you discover.
And, if you don’t know your strengths and uniqueness let me know and I’ll help you find them out, you have been born with greatness within you, never doubt that truth.
Susanna #littlemiraclescommunity
