After 25 years, he still doesn’t completely understand me.

It was just the two of us alone in the car that day, when I casually mentioned entering the HGTV Dream Home giveaway.

“Why do you enter giveaways?” he asks, incredulous that anyone bothers to enter when hundreds of thousands (millions?) will do the same. It’s the only contest I enter year in and out, and this year I’m especially hopeful:  it’s a dream home near our favorite vacation destination.

I smiled and explained, “Well, s o m e o n e will win and I don’t stand a chance of being that someone unless I enter.”  Perfectly logical.

It’s silly, I know, especially when the odds are stacked outrageously high against me.  But I really, truly, no-matter-how-ridiculous-it-sounds believe I could win.

Sitting in the car that day, our seemingly innocuous conversation led me to realize something important:

One of the things I like most about myself is boundless optimisim.

So I said it out loud.

“You know, I LIKE that about myself, that I think I could win….” and my voice trails as I recall things I have won in the past.  A computer.  A printer.  A Reddi Wip gift pack.  A trip to SXSW.  Big things and small things, but only because I tried.

But winning giveaways isn’t my point at all.

It occurred to me that it’s important to see things about myself – unique giftings or quirks or aspects of my personality – to acknowledge and celebrate how God made me wonderful.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

~ Psalm 139:14 NIV

God made you wonderful.

Unless you are a very new Christ follower, this is likely a familiar verse, especially if you have children.  But why is it easier for me to see its truth in light of my babies, yet a challenge to believe about me?

In the original Hebrew text, the word “fearfully” means with great reverence, respect; “wonderfully” means marvelous, unique, set apart.

Right after the psalmist praises God for how he was made, he declares God’s works wonderful and emphasizes his trust and belief.  He recognizes who he is in light of his Creator.

Have you ever considered you’re wonderful because you’re a precious work of God, created with a unique bent that he designed especially for you?

 

Have you given yourself permission to delight in the qualities that set you apart from every other creature on the planet??

 

It seems to me, cookie-cutter people would be much easier to create; so our differences, peculiarities and dispositions must be something God can redeem for our good, His glory and the advance of the gospel in some way.  Satan would love nothing more than to defeat us in the very things our Father crafted especially for us!

Right now I’m asking you to think about some things you like about yourself and name them out loud; if you’re willing, share them in comments.  Praise God for the marvelous ways you’re uniquely YOU.

This is important lovies.  It is far too easy to become entangled in the comparison game, to feel less than others because they have strengths you lack or they’re succeeding in areas where you’re stalling.

You’re special.

You’re one of a kind.

And I think it’s beautiful to notice the details of God’s craftmanship in you…and, then to graciously express your gratitude back to Him.

Won’t you share even one of your quirks or propensities or talents that others might not quite get but you appreciate?  I’d like to know and celebrate with you!

With joy and grace from Robin, who cherishes her quirky belief that sometimes God gives baby rainbows to those who need ’em. ❤

 

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