I heard them before I saw them.

Barking wildly, a team of 8 dogs, harnessed together, came whipping around the snow-packed corner. Pulling a sled with a driver behind them, this team of very excited huskies slowed as the “musher” brought them to a well-trained stop.

Will, our seasoned dogsled guide in the Colorado Rockies, waved our small group over and began our session by introducing us to each of the dogs.

As he did, he also explained their roles on the team.

I was in awe listening to him describe each of the dog’s positions. They were all very unique. Two huskies were placed in the lead, point, team, and wheel positions, respectively, with very specific tasks to execute.

If just one dog didn’t do its part, the whole team would fail.

I couldn’t help but think about how God purposefully places each of us right where we fit best.

Just like the dogsled trainers handpick very specific dogs for each of these essential roles, God intentionally chooses where He positions each of us on His team (in His body of believers).

I Corinthians 12 details how God’s body – His Church – is made up of a variety of people, bringing unique strengths and gifts to it.

“But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts (people) in the body just as He wanted.” (vs. 18)

He purposefully chooses where to place us because, ultimately, He knows exactly how He made us, where we will most thrive, and what is best for the whole team (His Church).

In dogsledding, the success of the team depends greatly on whether the right dogs are placed into each vital position.

Isn’t that also true of the roles we hold in life? In our families, our professions, and our church?

The question is, do you see your divinely assigned position as essential?

It can be easy to look around and covet someone else’s position in life because they look more popular, affluent, put-together, gifted, or polished (especially on social media).

But, just like in dogsledding, one position isn’t more important than another. They are different. But all are essential.

That’s worth repeating, don’t you think?

We are all different, but we are all essential.

As Mother Teresa once said, “None of us, including me, can ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”

Until next time, Grace and Glory!