I can easily guess your response looking at my above photo .. "what in the world is that!!"
But if anyone dares to describe the little ornaments as ugly or worthless or anything 'less-than', my emotions will rise in defense, resenting any criticism.
Why ? Because to me the above little ornaments are beautiful with treasured value.
When my two granddaughters were toddlers, both under 3, my daughter asked them if they wanted to make something for me for my birthday. Oh yes, they did.
She gave them a box of paint and brushes and two little figurines to paint.
My daughter told me they sat for over an hour painstakingly, patiently painting brush stroke after brushstroke, intent on making their work perfect for their Nanna. I will never forget the eager little faces when they so proudly gave me their gifts.
My heart melted - how I still treasure the little ornaments, and in 'my eyes' the beauty is unsurpassed!
Often when I look at the little figurines, I wonder if God doesn't feel the same as I do.
When He looks at you and me, does He see us as worthless? Does He see the flawed, imperfect brush strokes with which we have painted our lives?
Does He look at the 'gifts' of service we give Him and see them as so much 'less' than what He could so easily do better without us?
Or, do His emotions quickly rise up against anyone who would speak against us? Does He see us as beautiful beyond description and are our humble offerings to Him precious because we are clothed with our faith/trust in Him? Does He value what we offer Him as 'beautiful' , even when in human eyes it looks worthless, just because we are so loved and treasured in His sight?
" .... the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes" I Peter 1:7
"Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." I Peter 3:4
"So shall the King greatly desire your beauty, for He is the Lord, worship him !" Psalm 45:11
The ultimate, unfathomable truth is expressed by Jesus Himself -- that the Father loves you and me as much as He loves Jesus !
John 17:20,23
Next time you look into the mirror, or look into your heart, and feel despondent or discouraged at the 'little' you have offered to God, remind yourself of how God sees you and how He values what you give Him in response to His love for you.
If God delights in you and values your 'gifts' to Him, does it matter so much what others think?
4 comments:
Ahhh, sweet post, Julie.
Thank you so much, your timing with this post was spot-on, you gave me encouragement, and contentment. Bless you!
Very nice post to read. Thanks for sharing:)
Henry
Ahhh, so true. I have some similar priceless works of art...that only I can see the beauty of. So thankful that God can see the beauty in His created ones, even when others may not.
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