Each snowflake that falls to the ground is unique in its design -- that boggles my mind every winter! Yet we don't look at individual snowflakes and think God made a mistake; we celebrate His creativity. So, why are we so quick to look at others around us and make ourselves feel inadequate?
I've learned I don't need anyone to tell me what I'm not good at! It glares at me, sometimes all day long. As moms, we're so good at reminding ourselves of what we DON'T do well, aren't we?
Why is that? How can we be exactly who God has created us to be and yet be so dissatisfied with our strengths and abilities we possess?
Often skills that come easily don't seem to hold any true value in our minds. And yet, the irony lies in the fact that it can be those same skills in us that will stare someone else in the face and make them feel so incapable.
Are you tracking with me?
YOU are talented.
YOU are gifted.
YOU are skilled.
When you focus your discouraged eyes on the person who does well with that which you can't, you lose appreciation for what God's placed within you.
DON'T beat yourself up about what you can't do!. Stop! Realize that what you do well is what God has gifted you to do. What they do well is what God has gifted them to do.
In I Corinthians, Paul shares the comparison of the physical body with gifts and abilities. He asks how foolish it would be if all of us wanted to the eye, because then we wouldn't hear. Or in the case of the ear, then we couldn't smell. Likewise, we must recognize our value as we have been created.
Some are created to make music, while some are created to make cookies; some are created to bring order, while some are created to bring excitement.
None of us are irreplaceable -- not one! Only the lies that pound on the back door of our hearts will whisper that message. God has fashioned each of us with a specific plan and purpose; find out what that is for you and embrace it, celebrate it...but whatever you do, DON'T COMPARE IT!
"God has placed the parts
in the body, EVERY one of them,
just as He wanted them to be.
If they were all one part,
If they were all one part,
where would the body be?"
I Corinthians 12:18&19
Amen, Kristen! I remember this from one of Sally Clarkson's books: "beware of comparing your weaknesses to other mother's strengths."
ReplyDeleteI'm also saddened by how I can let relationships be stunted by comparing myself rather than rejoicing in and learning from what my friends are good at. Thankfully, Christ brings freedom!