Is one of us supposed to be a dog in this scenario?

"We are God's handiwork"
Ephesians 2:10

Did you see any of the dog show last night?  For years I've loved tuning in every February to the two-night competition of the Westminster Kennel Club.  I wouldn't even really consider myself a dog person, but I'm fascinated with the different breeds; the numbers of them, and the variety within a group.  There are seven groups, including "Herding" and "Terriers" for instance.  And then each Group is further divided, by breed.  Though every breed within a group has something in common, there can be striking differences.  The Hound Group, for instance, includes both the Irish Wolfhound (up to 150 lbs; 7 feet tall) and the dachshund (avg 11 lbs; 11 inches tall).  And the judge of each group is supposed to choose the dog that best represents the best of that breed.

What the judge does not -- cannot -- take into account, though, is how well that particular dog does what that breed is supposed to do.  A Chesapeake Bay Retriever, as you might imagine, is bred to be not just a retriever, but a water dog.  Its coat repels water, and it has webbed feet.  A bloodhound, on the other hand, is bred for its scenting ability.  When its nose is to the ground, its ears "capture" and "deliver" the scent to its nose.

In the same way, each of us been purposed by God for something specific.  He has given each of us gifts, abilities and characteristics that are unique.  We may have interests or talents in common with others, but like snowflakes, we are exactly like no one else.  This verse in Ephesians is one of my favorites, because it reminds me that God knows me so well.  We are, as Psalm 139 says, fearfully and wonderfully made, and not only does He know the number of hairs on each of our heads, He knew in advance what our gifts would be.  This verse in Ephesians goes on to say that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.   Blessings and challenges and opportunities await each one of us ~ chosen and prepared especially for me, and especially for you.

So whether you're a snowflake, popcorn, or a Curly-Coated Retriever, be the best one you can be!