This week I have done a lot of thinking about who I look at and where I get my worth.
There are so many places I can look.
*I might look at Hallmark Channel or any other TV channel I may watch. They seem to say I need to have romance and find the man to be worthy. Otherwise I am a worthless spinster that must have something wrong with me or I would be married.
*I might look at my work supervisor who was critical of me. I want to know if I need improvement but sometimes it just feels like, no matter how I try, I never quite get it right and I am not good enough.
*Or I might look at my friend or family member who has put other things before our relationship and doesn't have much time for me anymore. Does that make me less worthy or unimportant?
***But I should instead look to Jesus, my Savior, who loves and watches over me. He accepts me just as I am and lovingly brings me back when I go astray. Even when He brings hard things into my life, it is to help me grow and bear more fruit.
The other day, I was struggling through my exercise routine, not really happy with myself and the weight I have gained. Then I heard an old song I have known for years.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace.
I pictured Jesus standing opposite me, as I did my exercises, and saw in His face all the acceptance and love He wants me to have. And I realized I am enough! Singleness is God's gift to me and His will is good. He made me just the way I should be and I must embrace my uniqueness. I should not be listening to TV, work or friends if they give me the wrong message. And I must get my self-worth from the one who made me. God already said I am "very good!"
So, this week when the world tries to tell you that you are not worth much, don't listen! Turn your eyes upon Jesus! And see what He sees! God bless you!
The blessing of friends
This past week was a busy one. I had a couple of things that filled my time and wore me out.
First was the World Series, with the Astros playing the LA Dodgers. Though I have lived in Houston for only 12 years, I have slowly learned about the Astro players and really enjoy knowing who they are and watching them play. It was exciting to watch these players work together to win the World Series for the first time in franchise history. But it meant staying up late and having some stressful nights.
Then I had to move ALL my books out of my den, so that work could be done on the floor. What a task, since I have a lot of books. :-)
In both cases, I decided I should not try to do it all alone. I did not want to watch every game of the series by myself, yelling and cheering at the TV. Nor did I feel I could pack all those books alone- it seemed physically impossible. So, I invited myself to a friend's house to watch the game one night. And I contacted my sister-in-law and a dear friend who helped me pack books and get the big bookcase all clear. What great teamwork!
It made me realize I am single but don't have to be alone. But I do need to reach out to others. People don't know what is going on in my life unless I tell them. And whether it is joining in prayer over a problem, as friends have so lovingly done, or actually physically being together, friends are a gift from God I must embrace. I must reach out to get help and give it, to celebrate and sympathize. Friends are a treasure I must work to develop. And I am grateful for my dear variety of friends.
I am also grateful I have a God that will never leave me. As the verse from Sunday School today said. " God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Ps 46:1 He will never leave me.
So, when struggles come that burden and seem to break me, I must look up "casting my burden on the Lord, for He shall sustain me." And I must also look around and find a friend to walk with me.
First was the World Series, with the Astros playing the LA Dodgers. Though I have lived in Houston for only 12 years, I have slowly learned about the Astro players and really enjoy knowing who they are and watching them play. It was exciting to watch these players work together to win the World Series for the first time in franchise history. But it meant staying up late and having some stressful nights.
Then I had to move ALL my books out of my den, so that work could be done on the floor. What a task, since I have a lot of books. :-)
In both cases, I decided I should not try to do it all alone. I did not want to watch every game of the series by myself, yelling and cheering at the TV. Nor did I feel I could pack all those books alone- it seemed physically impossible. So, I invited myself to a friend's house to watch the game one night. And I contacted my sister-in-law and a dear friend who helped me pack books and get the big bookcase all clear. What great teamwork!
It made me realize I am single but don't have to be alone. But I do need to reach out to others. People don't know what is going on in my life unless I tell them. And whether it is joining in prayer over a problem, as friends have so lovingly done, or actually physically being together, friends are a gift from God I must embrace. I must reach out to get help and give it, to celebrate and sympathize. Friends are a treasure I must work to develop. And I am grateful for my dear variety of friends.
I am also grateful I have a God that will never leave me. As the verse from Sunday School today said. " God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Ps 46:1 He will never leave me.
So, when struggles come that burden and seem to break me, I must look up "casting my burden on the Lord, for He shall sustain me." And I must also look around and find a friend to walk with me.
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