I love that analogy, leslie and the pixies.

I feel much the same...pieces of the whole...branches connected to the tree, but all still tree.

I like to use two different ways of explaining it. Take a box of crayons...some have 4, some have 8, 16, 24, 64 or more! There are different colors inside the box, but together it's still a box of color...separate or blended together they're still color destined for a purpose.

Also, consider a lighthouse. A lighthouse serves purpose as a whole...the best and most complete, panoramic view is from the head light. However, there are also deeper and separate windows from which the views might be limited to only what which can be seen from the particular window. Depending on where you're at within the lighthouse, your view might be complete or limited...whole and total or partial...still all part of the same lighthouse working to serve the destined functions.

KD