I stood looking at the well-worn 1910 Ford Model T Racer. Henry Ford used it many decades ago to push the limits of the invention that was quickly changing the face of society – the automobile. As I stood looking at the well-worn leather seats, shiny silver body with gold trim, and break lever it occurred to me that there was only one of these in the entire world. If it was destroyed, a piece of history would be gone forever. Nothing would or could replace this one car. Sure, a replica could be made, but it somehow wouldn’t be the same as the real thing.
Real Value
As I stood contemplating the vehicle’s uniqueness and associated value, a thought crept into my head. “If this vehicle is so unique and valuable, how much more so are you?” What a silly thought. I tried to push it away. I rationalized that I am only one of billions of people who have lived and died over the span of history, nothing special about that. The thought would not be dismissed so easily. “And this is only one of billions of cars produced in the last century. You perceive value because there is only one. If it is destroyed, it’s possible to make an exact replica. You are uniquely one among billions. If you are destroyed, there will NEVER be another.”
I walked away contemplating the majesty of a God I can call Father. As I have struggled for weeks, months and even years with low self-esteem, doubts about my value, and a desire to make a difference, my Father has been walking with me. And He chose one poignant moment to tell me that my value is real, my uniqueness secure. Millions of Model T’s have been produced. This one has value because it’s history/story is a little bit different than the rest. Countless humans have walked the earth since time began. Yet there has been and ever will be only one with my story.
One of Millions Verses One in Millions
Later thoughts brought another revelation. Each person I meet, work with, live with, encounter through life’s journey, holds the same key of uniqueness and value. Would I view these people through the same eyes with which my Father saw and loved me. Or would I view them as simply one of millions of people who have lived and died since the beginning of history?
I began to realize the answer was two fold. My family and friends, acquaintances, coworkers, people I respect, all fall into the first category. Others–-the homeless man asking for money, the poor single mom struggling to make ends meet, the convicted criminal languishing in his prison cells, the third world family with little opportunity for a better life–-all these were one of millions. Yet I knew instantly that my Father had a different perspective. All these people, regardless of who they are, what they have done, and what opportunities they have or have not had, are unique in His eyes and cause His heart both grief and joy, just as I have.
The challenge was clear. My Father had given me a glimpse of my uniqueness in His eyes. It was a special message aimed directly at my heart, yet, the real meaning was bigger than me. He had communicated to me His love not only for me, but the love I should have for others as well. Could I look at all the world with the same eyes? With eyes that viewed the most despised, the lowly, the “unworthy” as unique? I knew my answer had to be yes.