For weeks you plan a family outing to take your kids to the spectacular fireworks show. But one of the children screams with terror at the first pop. While their siblings clap and squeal with delight, she holds her hands over her ears and buries her head in your shoulder as you carry her back to the car.

The carousel is gorgeous with beautifully painted horses, lions and even ostriches. But trying to mount the ride with one of your children is like trying to coax your Great Dane into the vet’s office. He pulls against you with all his might shaking his head no. Finally you realize your grand plan for fun is his nightmare. All his little eyes can see is a roaring lion complete with gaping jaws and long sharp teeth. How can his brothers and sisters be so happy spinning in a blur of color, waving with excitement? Are they not all part of the same family?

As a kid yourself, you loved the ocean. Wave after wave of excitement beckons you to bring your own children to the shore. Two of them love it. The other will not be enticed. One toe in the water and the feel of shifting sand beneath their feet sends them back to the safety of buckets and shovels under the shade of a big umbrella. All the ducky floats in the world will not convince them there is fun to be had in the churning water. They sit happily in the sand content with their non-adventure.

As any teacher, daycare worker, doctor or parent can testify, every child is different. The wisest Parent of all planned for that.

You like excitement with a hint of danger? A thunderstorm is just what He ordered.

Your heart is moved by quiet gentleness? He will whisper in the wind and speak in a still small voice.

You love mornings? Has He got a sunrise for you!

Evenings are the best part of your day? His sunsets are painted with you in mind.

Color sets your heart on fire? Just wait til you see what Autumn brings.

Even the coldest soul is strangely warmed by a blanket of fresh snow.

Like little children we can dig our heels in and refuse the joy He has to offer. He just sweetly carries us in His arms to a quieter place, and shows His love in a different way.

Oh! How He loves us!

Lynna Clark lives in Salisbury. Read more at Lynna’s Wonderful Life at wordpress.com