On Being an Original, “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”: Writing for 31 Days

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Today’s “God-Spot” was captured just down the road from our home in rural Indiana. I hope that as I share this reflection, you will be inspired to look for the “originals” in your life.

One of the great blessings of certain friendships is that they enrich your life simply by the sharing of life. Such is the case with our dear neighbors, with whom we have had the privilege of sharing our valley and the rearing of our children these past 23 years.

The Mrs. and I share our love for handicrafts, cooking and Scripture — and so much more. She spins wool, weaves and knits and designs and creates original quilts. I greatly appreciate her creative gifts, and she supports me in mine.

Photo by Jim Sprandel

Photo by Jim Sprandel

When we get the chance, the Mr. and I quickly slip into sharing what we’ve read or seen that’s of interest in the world. The Mr. is a kind and gentle man, a devoted father and grandfather and a bit of an icon in our rural community. He maintains the county’s parks and in years past was a favorite visitor to local schools where he told stories and portrayed the type of Indian who once lived in this region. With his long, gray braid and ready smile, he is recognized by many.

My friends built their family home, nestled in a wooded hillside at the end of a long lane, entirely by hand with wood harvested from their own land. It’s a home that draws others in. During my late afternoon visit to their home for a cup of tea and conversation recently, the Mr. pulled out his phone and shared with me a couple of quotes from a favorite author and follower of Christ, C.S. Lewis. My friend intends to pass them on to two of his daughters who are away at school. One is a writer, the other an artist. I’ll share one of them here with you:

“Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original; whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.”

Thinking about that quote today, I realize it accurately depicts these friends of ours. They are “originals”. Without pretense and with only the desire to serve and honor God as their guide, this couple has created an original life. They are intentional in only one thing — that their lives would serve as a testimony to their faith. In just living truth day-to-day according to a moral code, and by drawing on the gifts God has placed in them, they have “become original without ever having noticed it.”

Wouldn’t we all like to be considered “original?” God created us with that capacity and I believe that is His desire for us. It grieves me to hear others say they aren’t creative or have no special gifts. We were all created in the image of God, the originator of everything original. In each of us, He has placed qualities, talents, propensities and characteristics that make us uniquely original. The best way to tap into them is to “simply tell the truth.”

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

7 Comments

  1. Plaidfuzz

    Sad to think we work so hard to be like everyone else when we were intended to shine as individuals!

    • Ingrid Lochamire

      The world is full of “originals” who aren’t even aware of how they shine. Thanks for stopping by!

  2. Jane Hartselle

    Beautifully written. Love God Spot

    • Ingrid Lochamire

      Thank you, Jane. I have no doubt you are an “original”.

  3. Mary Todd

    I really enjoyed your post, Ingrid.

  4. Emily

    So true Ingrid. These friends are following God in a way many of us admire. Thank you for sharing.

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