“Everybody is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Every person has God-given talents.  You may not be able to dance, sing, or act well, but you have your own particular set of gifts.

Society places certain expectations on everyone, such as success, beauty, a strong relationship and a sizable bank account.  That can leave some of us feeling lack-luster as we may not currently possess a powerful job, model looks, a boyfriend or girlfriend (or husband/wife), or an overflowing abundance of cash.  It’s easy to point out the ways we don’t measure up instead of appreciating how unique and special we are.

When we compare ourselves to others, it seems like we aren’t good enough.  Some people are doctors, lawyers, and businessmen (or women).  Others are photogenic, popular, or great public speakers.  Some have long-time boyfriends or girlfriends, fiancés, or have already been married for years with a few kids.  When we judge ourselves related to others, we sell ourselves short.

Our parents may have their own plans for us that aren’t realistic.  They might want to live vicariously through us or just have dreams for us that we aren’t equipped to actualize.  Mulan struggles with this when she can’t be the girl her parents expect her to be.  She wants to bring honor to her family, but she is destined to be a heroine, not merely a desirable candidate for a matchmaker and future mate.

Instead of comparing ourselves to others or trying to fit into the mold created for us by society or by our parents, we should discover what talents we have hidden within us.  Using these abilities will be your gift to God and your gift to the world.  Don’t be a cookie-cutter version of someone else.  Be yourself, because there’s only one you.