What’s Your Part? by Dr. Lynnette Simm

Thanksgiving in Colorado! Who could ask for more? While my Simm family came together to love on our Mom on the first holiday without Dad, it was clear that we each had our parts to do.

There was not one moment of angst or arguing as we each used our unique character, talents, and place in the family to love on one another and spoil Mom, as best as possible. Unfortunately, we were down one brother and sister-in-love, but they were with us in spirit and with texts, calls, and sharing of pictures. Still with the remaining ten of us, we had an amazing and blessed Thanksgiving weekend to remember. 

For me, my part was as the extroverted, encouraging, daughter-in-law. I loved talking the grandkids, ages 18-26, and the siblings into games. We laughed and bonded over Mexican Dominoes, Jenga, and a couple of those “ask question” card games. You see, my Simm family is full of smart, kind, and gentle people who are disproportionately shy-introverts; so my part is very important during these family gatherings.

Mom has always been the hostess, but this time my beloved sister-in-law took up the role and made sure we were all fed and hydrated, with amazing assistance from my husband and brother-in-law.

My husband and brother-in-law were the hunter-gathers, as usual. Going from store to store finding all the makings for several amazing feast and yummy desserts. The kids, who haven’t spent time together in years, spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other as young adults. It was beautiful to hear how alike they were, but it was especially wonderful to hear how unique they are. We have an aspiring entrepreneur, a caring nurse, an animated psychologist, a driven lawyer, and the youngest is undeclared and proud of it! Each one of these beloved grandchildren made their grandmother smile and laugh out loud for days.

Together, it was mission accomplished. Each of us brought who God made us to be with love and joy that we lavished on each other, which resulted in comfort, laughter, and a dash of sadness to their grandmother. We all felt the missing piece of Dad, knowing he would have loved to have us all there, which made our Thanksgiving in Colorado a blessing. Each of us shared our own uniqueness and we accepted, respected, and loved each other as we are.

As we all struggle with the world we are in right now, it’s important to remember that we have each been created perfectly for our parts.

“So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:25-27).‬ 

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter‬ ‭4:10).‬

And remember each and every one of us have been “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms‬ ‭139:14‬).‭

Your part IS important. YOU ARE IMPORTANT. YOU ARE TREASURED. YOU ARE LOVED! 

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