In a way it's a bit dishonest to say that I haven't had time to write until now. Truthfully I've had a bit more time in my schedule this week. However, I've been spending a lot of time on Facebook. Some people may say I'm creepy, but I genuinely love to know about people's lives, and this is an exciting time of year. People are talking about their Spring Break adventures, sharing frustration about school and anticipation for summer, and posting pictures of Spring Dances. I'm such a girl, I really love seeing it all. Perfectly harmless interest, right? Well... sometimes. On days like today my time on Facebook is less than healthy. I've been spending time looking at my recent pictures and postings, and comparing them to others. For someone like me who often suffers depression, comparison is a toxic thing. I can always find someone else to envy. I can always find a reason to call myself boring or ugly. What a terrible attitude to indulge! Each person is different, and each person is uniquely beautiful. Psalm 139:14 is often used, but it's worth hearing again and again - "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Each of us is made carefully by God, as one of his prized creations. It seems natural to look at nature - landscapes, animals, plants - and praise God for the beauty he creates. We should have the same praise for ourselves. Not one hair on your nose, or scar on your knee, or wart on your foot is a mistake. Yes, our bodies are marred by sin. But God works in all situations, and He has worked beautiful things for you, inside and out.
One thing I'm guilty of is using the phrase "If only..." when comparing myself to others. "If only I had her eye color, I'd look great." "If my hair was just that easy to style, I'd never have to worry about it." I even envy personalities, saying, "If only I could be as comfortable around people as they are, I'd have a much better opinion of myself." The problem is, these things don't fit into the unique scheme of our lives. Who can say how different hair would change my life? The one thing I can say is that God meant for me to look and act exactly as I do, and no minute change is going to make me suddenly happier. The key to beauty isn't a certain look. It's a certain attitude. It's truly believing that there are great plans laid out for your life, and that you will fit into them perfectly, just the way you are.
"If my boss thinks I work hard, it doesn't matter what I actually do."
"Everyone gets a pay raise, why should I work harder than anyone else?"
"I'm tired and I have better things to do. I need to take care of myself first."
These and many others are excuses that I've used at work, and I'm sure you have too. When we first begin a job we often start out on the right foot, wanting to impress our supervisor and set ourselves up above the rest. But it usually doesn't take long before we've figured out how to cut corners and put forth as little effort as possible. It's human nature to look out for self before serving others. Maybe it's even hard to look at your job as a service to others. In reality though, nearly every job, no matter how "mundane", is one that serves people in some way. Making food, keeping a store in order, sitting at a welcome desk - all these and more make life easier for others.
Hmmm... Service to others... This is starting to sound like a Christian issue. Truthfully, it is. God says numerous times in the Bible that we should put forth our best effort in all the work we do. His will for us is almost painfully clear in Colossians 3:23-24:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
When I read this, I felt ashamed. In both academics and employment, I'm guilty of giving partial effort because it seems to not matter. In my pride, I put myself first, claiming that it's better for my health and sanity to "take it easy". It's important to remember that every earthly task placed in front of us is a chance to glorify God. He gives us the ability to carry out our calling, and He deserves the credit when we succeed. When we give our best effort it is a testimony to the blessings God has given us, and a witness to those we are serving with love and joy.
