"Yeah, that's what I've been thinking about. Our new baby is going to be different from every other one, isn't she ... just like these snowflakes?"
#10: You are Unique!
A Character story about love.
Two weeks had passed since Mr. and Mrs. Jensen announced to the twins that they were expecting a new baby in their home. Julie was already having a hard time waiting the full eight months and just about as much trouble waiting for her Dad to tell them the other surprise he had promised.
"Hi. I'm home," Mr. Jensen announced as he closed the back door that evening. "Mmmm. Something sure smells good!"
"Thank you, Dear," Mrs. Jensen responded, greeting her husband with a kiss. "I was praying for your safety on these slippery roads."
"I appreciate that. The snow is getting deep, but I got home without a problem." Mr. Jensen took off his coat and hung it in the back closet. "Oh, and guess what! Everything is finally worked out!"
"Oh, great," Mrs. Jensen looked very pleased. "Are you going to tell the kids tonight?"
"If I can wait that long," Mr. Jensen chuckled. "By the way, where are the twins?"
"Jason is in his room reading, and Julie is in the living room. Supper will be ready in about ten minutes."
Mr. Jensen strolled into the living room where he found Julie staring out the window at the falling snow. She seemed lost in thought.
"Hi, Sissy," Mr. Jensen greeted her. "Don't I get a hug from my favorite daughter?"
Julie looked up. "Oh, hi, Daddy!" She jumped up and gave him a big hug. "I guess I didn't even hear you come in."
"So, what is my growing-up-too-fast girl thinking about so hard on this snowy night?"
Julie gave a slight smile. "Oh, I was just thinking about the snow. My science teacher told us that each snowflake is different from every other one. That seems almost impossible!"
"Yes," Mr. Jensen added, "God is a great God of variety, isn't He?"
"Yeah, that's what I've been thinking about. Our new baby is going to be different from every other one, isn't she ... just like these snowflakes?"
Mr. Jensen smiled. "You're right, Sissy. Each person is unique ... one of a kind. It is fun to anticipate what new variety God has designed for our addition, isn't it?"
"Fun? It is driving me crazy waiting!" Julie admitted. "I wish she would be born tomorrow!"
"There is lots of getting ready to do. God gives us these months to prepare. And don't forget, it could be 'he' not 'she.' It could be a boy."
"I suppose, but God knows how much I have wished for a sister. I really think she is going to be a girl."
Mr. Jensen smiled. "Well, just don't get you hopes up." He paused for a few moments looking out the window. "You know, Sissy, some of the snowflakes are not shaped as perfectly as others. In fact, some might even be considered ugly compared with others."
"Really? I never noticed. They all look pretty from here."
Mr. Jensen continued. "Some people do not appear as perfect as others either. What would you think ... say... if God gave us a handicapped child?"
Julie looked at her Dad in shock. "God wouldn't do that to us, would He?"
"It isn't a curse to be entrusted with one of His 'special' little ones, Sissy. In fact, I believe there must be something very special about those families to which God has given the care of these dear little people. You know, God often gives the handicapped certain qualities that others may not have."
Julie looked doubtful. "Like what?"
"Oh, like extra amounts of love, or extra sensitivity to others, or sometimes special abilities, like in music. Beethoven wrote some of his best music after he was deaf, you know."
Julie was quiet a few moments. "I ... I see what you mean. But I still think it would be hard to be as excited about a sister who couldn't be like me."
Her dad gave her a hug. "Just one of you is plenty anyway," he said with a smile. "But seriously, God just wants each of us to be willing to accept whatever He gives us and train this little one to love Him ... even if it is a boy!"
Julie looked at her dad and grinned.
"Now, go call your brother for supper. I am finally ready to tell you my other special surprise!"