Day 4

WE WANT TO BE THE SAME AS...

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

From our earliest years we have a drive to be the same as those around us. It is not that we don't value our individuality but that we don't like being too different, or being thought odd, so we feel the need to conform.

We have just bought some new shoes for our son Michael, who is three and a half years old. He kept repeating "They must be black ones, Mum" which seemed strange since he loves bright colours. Then we looked in another shop and I heard him say to his Dad, "Those please. They are the same as Russell's at play group." He got his shoes!

I once knew a man who was a very gifted artist. He had a way of looking at things and people which was very distinctive and placed a high value on being different, being his own person. He had three children and tried to communicate his way to them.

One day I met a teacher who taught his daughter and I asked about her. "Oh, she's an odd little girl" I was told, "a real loner, very shy. It's not surprising really is it, even in the gym she's different. All the other girls wear leotards but she has to work in vest and pants. Her father says it's a matter of principle; he won't be made to conform."