He was slightly different from the others. From the beginning, he stood apart from the others. Distinct.
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. Had a very shiny nose.
That particular difference became the source of much teasing. He never did feel much like the others. Wasn’t even sure that he would ever find a place to fit in, to be accepted for who he was. Just the way he was.
All of the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph, join in any reindeer games.
He was always on the outside, looking in. Yet never able to enjoy the activities with the others. For he was different. Set apart.
If you remember the story, he finds himself in a strange place – The Island of the Misfit Toys. It was a land of exile for all the broken toys. For the ones that were different. The toys which were thought would never, or could never, bring joy to children.
It is there, while in exile, that Rudolph discovers his worth, the purpose to which he was always created.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve.
Often in life, we can be much like Rudolph. Placed in obscurity. Moses found himself, there as did Joseph and Paul and others in Scripture. Perhaps it is when we find ourselves visiting “the island of misfit toys”, we discover the very reason we have been positioned here in life.
For it was there, Rudolph found he was most needed. He had been positioned for a task that he, and he alone, was equipped to do.
Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?
The source of his shame and embarrassment was the very thing would become the source of blessing for so many. His shiny nose was the distinction he had been provided so that he could fulfill his purpose.
Here are three lessons I learned from Rudolph lately:
- God created us to be different. In reading 1 Corinthians 12, He purposely created us differently so that nothing would be lacking in the church. When we negate or omit or overlook some, we are hurting the cause for which we are in community. Interestingly, Paul states, “On the contrary, parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” (1 Corinthians 12:22).
- Comparison is a killer. Again from Paul. we are told, “When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12b).
- We are trained in obscurity for the tasks we will do publicly. Obscurity is painful. But perhaps, it is the very place that we are trained to handle those times we are visible. Obscurity helps us to keep a proper perspective of ourselves. More so, we learn valuable lessons in the dark that remain engraved in our hearts forever. For it is there that we learn, like Rudolph, to embrace those traits that make us different. It is then we know the purpose for which we have been called.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daYO4W3X1Nc&w=420&h=315]
Today I am joining these other blogs … Tell His Story and Imperfect Prose and Wed. Prayer Girls and Wordless Wed. and A Little R & R and Wordless Wed. and Doing You Well and Winsome Wed. and Wholehearted Wed. and Works For Me Wed. and Three Word Wed. and Wedded Wed. .
This is a nice take on Rudolph. Thanks and happy holidays!
š
Traci
I love Christmas music & so this year, am trying to learn something from each & every song I hear š Glad that you stopped here. Merry Christmas!
I am a misfit on the island with the toys! They didn’t stand out as much but were misfits just the same. I was just thinking yesterday as I was trying to talk to people who didn’t want to talk back, how sad, people would rather connect on their phones these days and not in real life.
They look down or away in order to not make any sort of “connection” at all. Those are the ones I go straight for this time of the year. And the other ones I go to even faster are those that go out of their way to act like bears that got woken up from hibernation! LOL!!
Oh the fun I have this time of year! LOL! Love in kind words and smiles!
Great post!
š Gypsy, keep reaching out. May our joy & love for others because of Him melt & warm others.
What a great way to look at Rudolph in light of how God created us to be different, to stand out. Thanks for sharing at Tales of a Pee Dee Mama.
Thank you! I am trying to learn something new from each familiar Christmas song I hear this year. We can grow so familiar with them & miss the meanings within the songs. Glad that you stopped here. Merry Christmas!
Hi! Visiting from TWW and WFW:) Awesome insights to draw from that classic. I especially like the one about being trained in obscurity. So often I look at what is going on in the quiet spaces of my life and wonder if it’s really all that important. Silly me- He makes it important. Excellent, thank you:)
I am so glad that you left a comment. It is so true that we tend to minimize the quiet times in our lives. It truly all is important to Him. It may be that in those quiet times, when we are most quiet, we hear Him best. Have a blessed Christmas!
What a great interpretation on the classic Christmas story.
So many truths here. No one likes to be different, but slowly God will reveal to us that our differences is our beauty and purpose.
Cheers,
Leah
I am beginning to realize that our differences is what makes each of us most precious. To Him. And to others. Thank you for stopping & also commenting. Blessings!
As always my friend, this was a delight. Loved what you learned from this loved Christmas movie. I needed to remember this… “God created us to be different.” To often I still catch myself thinking I need to do what everyone else is doing. If I’m not there is something wrong with me. But, yes, God created us to be different!
Love you.
Beth
Beth – Continue to be different! For you, my friend, are beautiful. God has used you in my life in ways you have no idea. I, for one, am VERY glad that you are different than me!
Be blessed as you place each wreath!
Love,
Joanne
I love this post! Yet another reminder that He redeems all. (Plus, I got to sing along as I read.)
Lyli – Love that the post also made you sing! I find myself either singing or humming as I think about the carols. And yes!!! He redeems all. I am so grateful that He does!
Thank you for this.
I needed this today. I feel like a misfit most of the time as I don’t fit into a box.
This was really good to hear today
If I may say, you were not meant to be in a box. Know that. As you fulfill His purposes, the very ones He created you to do, may you find that you fit perfectly into His plans.
Blessings,
Joanne
Hi Joanne,
I loved your post, thank you. Thankful to be a misfit š