I had lunch with my cousin and her family the other day. I loved reconnecting and spending time with them. One of her kids is now in college and the other is in high school and they could not be more different! One is very organized, respectful, and has a five-year plan; the other takes life one day at a time, is full of sass, and questions everything. As we were laughing at these stark differences, my cousin said, “God blessed me with two very different children and I love them both.”

Then I realized so many things in life are that way. My two dogs are very different, but I love them both. Some of my hobbies are very different, but I love them all. My two careers are very different, but I love them both. My favorite foods are very different, but I love them all. Even as I was taking ornaments off the Christmas tree, I reveled in the fact that my ornaments are so different, but they all represent something that I love.

I think we are able to love things that are vastly different because we as humans can appreciate a wide range of qualities. We can enjoy and admire different strengths, skills, and abilities in different people. We can take in different tastes, sights, and smells and find bits of delight in all of them. We can participate in different activities and gain different benefits from them.

The ability to love and appreciate things that are so very different shows the flexibility and depth of human nature. Whether it’s the contrasting personalities of my cousin’s kids, the unique traits of my pets, or the wide array of experiences and interests in my own life, each difference adds value in its own way. Our capacity to delight in differences, whether in people, activities, or even objects, enriches our lives and reminds us that variety is something to be celebrated. It’s through this appreciation of differences that we find joy and gain insights in the many facets of life. So enjoy the differences, and when you encounter something different in life, look for the joy it can bring.