I’m sure you agree with me when I say, “Ice-cream bars and bars of soap are very much alike!”  Of course they are!  Both come wrapped in slick, non-biodegradable, heavily advertised, gaudy, air-tight wraps that are of no value at all when separated from the contents they protect. Both products are created in sterile, climate controlled environments using heavily guarded secret ingredients. Both products are created to make their creators rich. The production of both provides work for hundreds of people who can then provide homes, security, health coverage and happiness for many families.

The production of both provides local and national governments finances that build roads, provide healthcare coverage and retirement benefits as well as allow politicians a paid platform to sell their particular brand of politics. The wrapping of both provide jobs to trash collectors and problems for environmentalists. Hundreds of super mercados and tiendas around Bolivia are filled with both products. Both products are most valuable, most appreciated and indispensable on the hottest days of the year. Both products are 100% unbiased – they’re loved by young and old / by male and female. Both products are used up when they get wet.  Of course they are almost exactly the same!>

I’m sure you agree with me when I say, “Ice-ream bars and bars of soap are nothing alike!” Of course they aren’t!  One can only be stored in a freezer and the other needs dry storage. One can be eaten while no one would even dream of eating the other. One works best when spread all over the body while parents try their best to keep the other only in the mouths of their children. The life of one is minutes, while the other is effective for months. We treat ourselves to one while fully clothed while the other only works when we’re fully naked.

How can both concepts be true? Individuality can sing both rap and baroque because they have absolutely nothing in common. I have 5 children. They are so much alike and yet one would think each of them had different parents. Why is it that I try to squeeze them into the same mold? Why do I try to discipline them the same? Why do expect each one to be a smart, as good looking, as gifted as the other? Why do I compare each one of them to the most gifted child?  This week lets recognize and value the differences within our families.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.