This is the second half of a blog about belonging. It is the topic of how we show up in life. It is the truth that some people believe life does things to them; the winds of life blow them in all directions and their job is to react as best they can.
But what if in your partnership with God the two of you know that whatever is coming your way is part of the process. It is knowing that there is nothing ahead for each of us that is a bigger challenge than God and He/She is standing right next to us.
Thus we decide where our place is in the world. For years and years I did not value myself. I shopped at the discount stores and would not buy something new unless I had worn holes in the clothing I was wearing.
Then I had a girlfriend that worked with the concept "I'm worth it!" She took me to a very high end store and we shopped. She bought me a sweater that was four times the normal cost I would spend for a sweater. I told her I could not accept it; it seemed like a waste of money. She pointed out to me how well the sweater was made and the wonderful material and construction of the sweater. She reminded me that I would wear out two or three of my discount sweaters and this one would still last.
So her question became - am I discounting myself and stepping back from being worth something nice. Since that time so many years ago, I still may look for a bargain but at the same time I look for what I like - no matter the cost. It's simple; I'm worth it!
In our lives, we need only to act like we belong. We are the actor who on a Friday is auditioning for a big in a movie. They do some scenes and the actor does well. The director asks him "Are you good with horswes?" He of course replies, "Of course, I had lots of background growing up with horses. In truth, he had never been on a horse. He spent the weekend taking riding lessons and on Monday morning he was ready to go.
"Yes' answers lead us to move forward. Thus if there is a goal we are looking to achieve, we must be careful. Many of us continually find reasons to self-censor and to self-defeat. I better not call; he's probably busy. Give him the chance to make the choice. Make your decision a yes!
Years ago as a salesman I would travel throughout Northern California. I was a photographer and would carry my equipment with me. I was always looking for good photo opportunities. At the very end of August, I was in Lake Tahoe to call on some customers.
A couple days earlier, a bomb had exploded at Harvey's causing some $18 million dollars' worth of damage. I arrived outside of Harvey's mid-morning with my camera equipment. I saw people going in an entrance near the damaged section of the building. I followed them in and spent some thirty minutes taking photos before I heard the words.
It was a California Highway patrolman who wanted to know what I was doing. I was quickly escorted out and had to talk a bit to keep the film in my camera. But I got my photos. Did I officially belong there? No, but I acted as if I did belong. This is not the best anology but it is tied into one thing. If we value ourselves, we can do anything! But typically we are not taught to self-value. So how valuable are you? Do you deserve the best? Are you not made in God's image? I believe the only thing that holds us back from getting whatever we want is ourselves.
Have yourself a little talk with you and remind yourself that you are the one and only unique you! I'm so glad you are here.........
Commentaires