Uncommon

An odd thing happens to me, pretty frequently—

people mistake me for someone else.

I know it's probably happening when I get that first "double-take" glance. 

 But when a perfect stranger sends a probing gaze directly into my face

and takes hesitant steps in my direction,

it's for sure—another false reunion is about to go down:

Excuse me, but did you deal cards in Vegas?

Have you ever lived in Tennessee?

Aunt Kay ... is that you?

And my favorite: 

Were you a judge, because you look exactly like the one who sent me to jail. 

I'd love to answer, "Well, yes!" just to see what would happen.

Instead, I've always tried to ease the flustered embarrassment that results from my no—

"Don't worry, it happens all the time. I'm common looking." 

It happened again at a recent writer's conference, 

but this time, the words stuck in my throat.

 We truly are unique in the Father's eyes—

created, loved, and valued.

I may be one among many that look crazily similar, 

but He knows my name.

* Photos of my Black-Eyed Susans, which really do seem 

to look exactly the same.