Tip of My Iceberg

Back in the day when our kids were little–and so was our budget–we would haunt garage sales for the treasures we knew we’d find there. Gently used clothes. Buckets of broken crayons. Toys we’d never consider purchasing new.

And Legos.

All our kids went through a Lego phase. We never considered buying them new–for the length of time our kids would engage in the building, new was not worth it.

But we’d find buckets of the things from families whose kids had moved on to bigger things than Legos. Small pieces tossed together with random parts from a variety of sets. And for awhile, they’d build things of incredible height and color. Even if it wasn’t architecturally sound.

What makes Legos fun is the bazillion things you can build with them.

And the colors. Bright. Bold. Different. You wouldn’t want to buy sets of only one color.

Boring.

We’ve just finished our biannual conference where the emphasis was on diversity. Appreciating the reality that we all bring something valuable to the table. Our final speaker, Francis Chan, spoke of how he has moments–as we all do–where being a solitary Lego looks good. Chan is a well-known speaker, author and pastor. He’s got street creds that trump most folks. He could rest on his laurels if he chose to.

He knows that by himself, he’s limited as to what he can accomplish. Alone, his efforts can’t match those of a team working together.

There’s humility in recognizing our need for others.

The truth is we need each other,

A Lego alone, no matter how unique or colorful, is only a Lego alone.

When you put them together the possibilities of what you can build are limitless.

The more color, the better.

I’ve got skills and ideas that can help others. We all do. We’ve been made intentionally, with an eye towards working together. I know I need others to be the best me I can be. I recognize my gaps. I need to learn how others can help me fill them. Smoothing away my rough edges.

It’s not easy. Even though I’m an extrovert, there are times when I’m longing to be that lone Lego. By myself. I don’t want to build anything with anybody.

But I’m learning to see the value in people, especially those who are different from me. It’s not always immediate. I’ve been known to be reluctant to see the best in others.

I’m never disappointed when I do.

God fashioned us seeing the uniqueness of the individual and the bigger picture of us together. As we come into relationship with Him, our talents blend with others to be a better reflection of who He is.

God isn’t American or white. He’s reflected in the multitude of ethnicities, cultures, talents and perspectives that we see around us. As we choose to trust Him, He builds us into a community that is rich with difference, brimming with potential.

Struggling with someone difficult? Imagine them as piece in your story that adds to the color and depth of who you are. Someone who helps build into you as a person.

Nobody really wants to be the lone Lego.