A few weeks ago I admitted that I love words . . . and I do, Dear Reader! But now it’s time to confess to my quirky attraction. (Don’t worry, Dear Reader, I’m not going to offend your delicate sensibilities.) So here it is. My quirky attraction is . . . numbers! I know, seriously?
Don’t go metaphorically giving me “that loook.” Let’s face it, as a culture we’re hooked on numbers. They are literally all around us.
My quirky attraction to numbers would be one thing if I was an accountant, a math teacher, or even a bookie . . . but I’m not. I may have taken advanced math in school and done well, but as former students would probably attest, I really stunk at actually teaching math.
No, I like numbers that are fun, numbers that “talk” to me in terms I understand. I may enjoy creating and tracking our household budget (thank you, William Jewell College), but playing Candy Crush Saga is like a number fix for me. What a time-waster, right?
I tell myself time spent monitoring and adjusting our budget is being a good steward. Okay, sounds good. Games on my phone, I can rationalize that they promote brain function. Who doesn’t need a little of that?
But you know what, Dear Reader, I finally realized my quirky attraction isn’t based on pragmatic thinking. I simply like the rush of seeing the numbers pile up whether it’s Candy Crush, social media views, or dividends on our investments.
For a minute I felt guilty and alone, sadly, with nothing magnificent about this obsession with numbers. Then I remembered what God’s Word said about being quirky, unique, and the reminder about what’s really magnificent about each of us.
I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe.
You have approached even the smallest details with excellence;
Your works are wonderful;
I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.
Psalm 139:14 VOICE
And that’s great . . . but what about the days when we don’t feel filled with wonder, awe, or details with excellence? What about the days when the world tells us we’re not enough?
This is one of my favorite passages in Scripture, perhaps it’s one of yours, too. It’s always a blessing and balm for my spirit.
But now, God’s Message,
the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end . . .
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
Isaiah 43: 1-2, 4 NASB
Maybe, just maybe, Dear Reader, that means our quirkiness is part of what makes each of us unique. What’s the quirky attraction that makes you unique? Come on, it’s okay. The Creator of the Universe is the same One who created us, and no matter what, He loves us as we are!
