I is for Individual



Yesterday I helped the youngest (3-5 year olds?) Sunday school class decorate cupcakes.  They slapped some icing on, licked most of it back off, and crammed as many sprinkles/decorations on top as they could get.  I understand the desire to lick the frosting off, but the sprinkles just don't appeal to me!

The kids zoomed through these cupcakes like pro's!  Spread the frosting, throw on some sprinkles, and yell "NEXT"!  They wanted to decorate as many as possible because they got to take each decorated cupcake home.  The faster they worked the more sugar they got to eat later.  You're welcome parents!

One little boy seemed oblivious to what his peers were doing.  He had a plan for each cupcake and he patiently worked to make sure each intricate detail was accomplished.  Each cupcake he decorated included at least a small amount of each kind of sprinkle that was provided.  He made smiley faces that were eventually covered up by the need to get the star shaped sprinkles and red glitter sugar on there somewhere.  He was not just casually throwing decorations on top of his cupcake, he had a place for each one and he would not let anyone rush him along.

He chose to do his own thing  He did not need to follow the crowd and do what his peers were doing.  He participated, yet had his own unique way of doing things and was happy. 

As we grow up we start to feel peer pressure to do and act like those around us, but this boy stuck true to himself.  He observed what the other kids were doing, told them their cupcakes looked good, and continued on with his own method.  I tend to cave in to peer pressure, or do what's "popular" instead of being my own unique self.  I need to be more like this little man.