CELERY
One of a Kind
Everyone is familiar with sand. Its colors may range from pale cream to brown, pink, orange, or even black. It is one of those things around us that we easily take for granted.
In the early 2000s, Dr. Gary Greenberg discovered a hidden treasure in something as ordinary as sand. Using a high-powered microscope of his own design, he magnified grains hundreds of times. What he saw astonished him: each grain revealed a miniature world of color, form, and beauty. No two grains were alike — each one was extraordinary.
When I came across one of his magnified images online, I was both amazed and fascinated. Never again will sand look or feel the same to me.
What Does a Grain of Sand Imply?
If lifeless grains of sand can be so distinct, what does this say about us — we who are alive, created, and loved?
We may resemble others in looks or background, but our uniqueness runs deeper than appearance or circumstance. Among the billions of people on this planet, no one shares the same identity, story, or soul. Each of us is singular — unrepeatable.
As a Christian, I find great meaning in this. Sadly, this wonder often remains hidden from those who do not believe in God or doubt His existence. Like the sand, the divine beauty of creation is invisible until light shines upon it.
“God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:28)
I was born with both body and soul. The soul — often spoken of as the heart or spirit — is where God resides within me. It is my divine connection to Him, the source of my life’s purpose, and the reason for my spiritual journey on earth. When my earthly life ends, my soul will continue, beginning a new chapter in my eternal home with God.
In God’s Eyes
Here lies the most beautiful truth: my soul is unique. God has given me free will and graced me with His blessings. Each day, I receive anew the gift of His love and guidance, enabling me to live according to His plan.
How I respond to that call is my choice. I may strive to become a saint — with a big “S” or a small one — or I may resist His path and wander astray. It is, indeed, up to me.
God does not compare my growth to anyone else’s. Why should I? In His eyes, I am one of a kind — special, irreplaceable, and beloved. I am like one grain among countless others, yet seen and cherished by Him alone for who I truly am.
And so, I must do the same — to look at others as God does, to see each person as one of His unique creations.
“To me, you will be unique in all the world.
To you, I shall be unique in all the world.”
— The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Dedication
My brother, Fr. Ruben M. Tanseco, SJ, often reminded us to recognize and honor our uniqueness as God made us — for there is no one exactly like another, in any time or in any way.
I dedicate this reflection to Ruben — a glorious one-of-a-kind soul, unmatched, beloved, and now called home by that unconditional love we call God.
Closing Reflection
When I think of the countless grains of sand spread across the earth, I am humbled — and deeply comforted. Each grain reminds me that in the vastness of creation, God sees me. He knows me, loves me, and calls me His own. Like the sand beneath His light, I too am one-of-a-kind — a small yet luminous part of His infinite design.
What inspiring insight and writing, Celia! Thank you for sharing the grace that God bestowed on you as you wrote this reflection.
Ruben would be happy that you dedicated your article and reflection to him, Celia; good to keep the sand in mind at all times. Well written too!
Unique reflection as unique as a grain of sand! Thanks Celia. Boy N.
This article gives me hope because during this pandemic, if we hold on to our uniqueness, we will have a something to hold onto no matter how the world changes.
But going even deeper, being unique is a challenge. Like you said, you will never look at a grain of sand the same way again. I will now remember that I cant just saunter along the path that I made but I am challenged to find the unique path that God made for me before I was born.
Thank you Mom for writing this article because it has given me the chance to bring back the glory to God.
Beautifully written! Thanks for reminding us that we are just a grain the sand but unique in God’s eyes therefore we in turn should treat others the same way God sees us, “one of a kind”!
How wonderful to be reminded that we are all God’s BELOVED !!! His plans for us are all for our good and He is beside us in our journey back to heaven. Thanks, Celia.
Thank you for your beautifully-written reflection on the unique abilities and blessings God has given each one of us as we traverse this journey and play out the roles that God has set for us. Just as these grains of sand exist side-by-side and rub against each other as the wind and water churns them, so too do we act upon, and against, each other, hopefully more in ways that are beneficial. As I look back on my own life, I am surprised at where God has brought me. I know God equipped me for everything He planned for me to do. Fr. Ruben was one of my professors at Ateneo, and he showed a respect for each one of us that enabled us to consider our strengths and possibilities. Fr. Ruben was one of the blessings God gave in my life.
Dear Celia, this is a much-delayed comment on your “One of a Kind” Post, which I read again just now. Like grains of sand and our souls, snowflakes are also one-of-a-kind — no two are identical, and each single crystal is unique — all proofs and manifestations of “the wonder and glory of His creation”!
Hi Celia, after reading your article on sand & people, allow me to share some of my thoughts based on your analogy.
1. Just as our feet hurt on a hot sand, our feelings can also be hurt by people. By wearing flip flops our feet are protected, we can protect our feelings by being tolerant, understanding, broad minded.
2. We create sand castles. Same thing with people, our relationship has an influence & impact on the formation of of people especially of our children.
3. Some sand are washed away into the ocean by waves & tides. People too experience the loss of love ones. However just as beach reappear when sand are washed back, going away are not permanent for some people.