God's Time Retreat
First Talk: Who Am I?

Opening song: Ever since the World Began

One of the things that fascinates me about puzzles is the variety of different pieces that, when put in the proper order, form a single picture.

Explain how each piece of the puzzle is like every other piece.

We’re a lot like the pieces of this puzzle. In many ways, all of us are very much alike.

Singling out several candidates, note what each shares in common. You may wish to throw out examples to the participants, asking for a show of hands as to how many share certain goals, interests, aspirations, etc.

While we’re all alike in many ways, each of us is unique and different. In fact, there is no one else exactly like me.

Again, single out several candidates and comment on unique characteristics you can observe in each. Then offer a few brief examples of what makes you unique and different.

Close your eyes for a few moments and imagine that you’re looking at yourself in a mirror. (Pause) Concentrate on the person you see-the unique person you are. (Pause)Ask yourself, “What kind of person do I see? A happy person or a sad person? A positive person or a whiner? A person who loves others or who is usually overcome by jealousy and anger? (Pause) Who is the person you see in the mirror. (Long pause.)

Now open your eyes. Write down three words or phrases to describe who you are. (Pause until all have finished writing. You should also do this.) Three things I wrote down about myself are _____, _____, and ______.

Explain why you wrote these things. Give and example of one of them.

My interests, talents, and abilities make me unique. Some of us may be good at sports. Others excel in schoolwork. Some of us may have special abilities in art, music, or dancing. Others are especially good at relating to people or helping those in need.

Mention a few of your own talents and abilities and explain how they make you unique. Ask the participants to write down some of the talents or abilities they possess.

My values also make me unique. A value is a standard or rule by which I try to live my life. For example I think it is important to treat others the way I want them to treat me. That is a value. Being honest is another value. Respecting others is also a value. All of us have values by which we try to live our lives. Many of our values are the same; many are different.

Ask the candidates to write down three values by which they try to live their lives. You should do the same. After they are finished, mention the three values you wrote down and explain why one of them is so important in your life.

While there are many things which make each of us unique and different, there are also many things we share in common. One of the things we all share in common is our need to love and to be loved. There are many people who love me. Close your eyes for a few minutes and picture the people who love you and the people you love. When you have finished, write their names down in your notebooks. (Long pause.)

Mention one of the people you thought of and explain why you love them/they love you. DO NOT, if at all possible, use an example of your girlfriend or boyfriend.

One thing I thought of when I pictured these important people is how they help me to be the special, unique person I am. I am unique because I love and because I am loved .

Let’s review some of the points we’ve made:

• Each of us is unique and different. That’s what makes each one of us so special.
• Each of us possesses different talents, abilities, and values which help us to be unique and different.
• Even though we’re all different, we all share one important thing-the ability to love others and to be loved by others. And that’s what makes us, as human beings, really unique and special.

Closing song: “True Colors”

		Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Orthodox Church in America PO Box 675 Syosset, NY 11791 http://yya.oca.org yyacm@oca.org The Hub | Back to top