One of my favorite things to do is to create unique food combinations. I’m not talking gourmet here, just average things. Take oatmeal, for instance. You can combine dozens of things with it to add some “umph”.

This week I created an oatmeal “mashup”.  I went to the kitchen at work to make my breakfast, complete with the usual dash of cinnamon and turmeric. What do my wondering eyes spy sitting on the community table?

Apple pie.

There were cupcakes on the table, too. I can resist a cupcake, but I cannot pass up the yummy, flaky, apple-y goodness of apple pie.

I had to be strong. Visions of healthy new year resolutions danced in my head. Stick to the oatmeal – it’s the best choice. I looked at the pie, knowing that’s what I really wanted. Forget the oatmeal – I’ll clean out my arteries another day!

Wait a minute. Why not combine the oatmeal and the apple pie?  Hmmmm…..

So, guess what I did?! I fixed my bowl of oatmeal and put a piece of pie in it. I stirred it  up to incorporate (fancy tv chef word) the apples into the oatmeal. Viola! I think I hit on the next new breakfast craze!

My unique concoction was pretty good.

I like that word — unique. Not weirdo “unique”, just unique. That seems to be missing in our society these days. When the latest fashion, movie or game catches on – look out. Everybody will be wearing it, watching it and playing it. Then you’ll see copycat versions of it popping up everywhere.

It took me awhile, but I finally realized that it’s ok to not follow the crowd – I’m an original one-of-a-kind. (I know some of you are saying “thank the Lord”)

It’s alright if I’ve not seen the latest movie or played the latest and greatest video game.  The earth is not going to tilt and fall off its axis if I’m not involved in the latest “big thing”.

It’s ok for you to be you.  You are an original, too. Say you’re a little quirky? Well, okay!

If another person is razing you because you don’t fit their mold, that’s not okay.  Is someone harassing you for not going along with the crowd? Politely tell ’em to take a hike.  Better yet, challenge them to cultivate their own uniqueness. Don’t be afraid to stand up and say you’re just fine the way you are – with your own favorite things, your hairdo or the clothes you wear,  whatever.

You and I have diverse talents and ideas meant to be used in the world for good. So, go be who God created you to be and I’ll do the same.

I  believe we can do great things together – kind of like oatmeal and apple pie.