There is None Like You

There is such much that is unique in our world. Each snowflake is said to have its intricate design of frozen crystals woven differently than any other. Each day has its variety of interactions, conflicts and times of peace. Each person has a spectrum of looks, history and personality.

Even when resting in a field of flowers or long bladed grass, I can notice how each little bloom has its tiny leaves at slightly different angles. Each tip of the grass has varying width, height, or lean in the swirling wind. From the very large to the very small, there is uniqueness.

Perhaps the world is formed in such a way that it reflects the glory of our Father. As is said in one of the best songs of praise ever penned:

This is my Father's world
He shines in all that's fair
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass
He speaks to me everywhere.

And each tiny blossom, each blade of grass, each person, each night and day, each slowly falling flake tell of God's unique qualities. There is none like the LORD.

At our marriage retreat this weekend, we were reminded over and over that our spouse is a gift. A gift that we should study and try to understand, because they are special and unique. My love for Courtney grows when I see the talents, ideas, traits and quirks that are only hers. My love for her grows when I respond to that unique person she is in unique ways. It lets her know that I was thinking of only her, not just "women" in general.

Recognizing the unique nature of someone we love allows us to respond in personal ways.

So what of the unique nature of our God? If all of this distinctiveness reflects the will of the LORD, then what is anomalous about Him? And how do we recognize it and respond to it so that our love for our LORD becomes personal?

I don't know the answer to any of those questions well enough to type them all out right now. Somehow, I think it has to do with the personal ways God has revealed Himself to each of us. All of these personal revelations of love lead us to know His character better. But how to respond?

At the retreat, we stood watching a TV screen in a high ceilinged, white walled room. Words zoomed across the screen, people sang or didn't. The song built, had a key change, took it up another level. In the front of the room, my mom helped lead those of us willing to enter the song. Some couples held hands, some wrapped arms around each other, some put their hands on the back of the chairs in front of them because they had grown old and weak, and some turned away from the song and from their spouse. Many couples were revitalized in their love, some probably weren't. But in that moment, the Spirit descended on the whole strange scene, and as it worked in hearts and minds, we began to respond to its personal touch.

We responded simply, but together, to all the unique love that the Spirit was pouring into us at the same time. It was our start, just to sing, "there is none like You."