Lovely Made

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. – Psalm 139:13-14

I was chaperoning my youngest daughter’s soccer team in Las Vegas.  We had a break between games so I thought I would go for a jog to burn off some calories and stress.  I asked the gal at he front desk for directions to a bike path or running loop.  Since most 2.5 star hotels aren’t located in the poshest of neighborhoods, she suggested I hit the hotel gym instead.

The hotel gym turned out to be about the size of a closet, with two treadmills jammed next to each other, inches away from the four mirror-lined walls.  Right when I hit the start button on the treadmill, my 3 o’clock alarm sounded on my phone.  I thanked God for being able to exercise and for the much needed time alone. 

Fifteen minutes into my workout, the door swung open and another soccer mom entered, dressed to sweat some stress out too.  We greeted kindly, stuck our earbuds in tight, and got busy working out.  Within minutes, I noticed that her pace was faster than mine, her legs were stronger than mine, and her stomach was flatter than mine.  So I did what came naturally: I made up excuses.  I’d had three children.  Oh crap, so had she.  I was working and didn’t have time to exercise.  Darn, so was she. 

When making excuses didn’t work, so I went to Plan B: competition.  I glanced at her speed, looked down at mine, then cranked it way up.  I jiggled faster and faster.  Sweat poured down my face into my eyes, blurring my contact lenses.  When I tried to wipe the sweat away, I lost my balance, tripped, and was propelled back into the mirror behind me.  Startled and embarrassed, I limped back to my room where God gently reminded me that comparing myself with others can be quite dangerous. 

God was right.  If I’d stayed in the space of gratitude and not been swept away into the comparison trap, I’d have enjoyed what my body could do and been stronger in both body and spirit. 

There will always be people who are smarter, faster, skinnier, richer, and wiser than us.  What if we run our own race with gratitude as we cheer others on in their own race?  I could have complimented her for being strong and fast and would have learned that she was training for a half marathon.  I was not. Her goal was to get a personal best finishing time, mine was to have a good time reducing my stress level.  If I’d only gotten out of my crazy head and been lead by gratitude, I could have avoided the embarrassment and been a witness of God’s unconditional love. 

Where do you need to trade comparison for gratitude?  Thank God for how He uniquely made you, with all your strengths and abilities.  Give thanks that you are wonderfully made.  As you run after your goals in life, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.  When they wander to compare, snap back to your race and let gratitude lead you on. 

Engage With God - Read and Reflect

DAY 11 – Lovingly Made

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. – Psalm 139:13-14

Daily Reminder: 

Let gratitude override comparison.  You were lovingly made by God with unique gifts and strengths.  Don’t let comparison sideline you from running your race.  Give God thanks for who you are!

Real Life Reflection Questions:

1.    When was the last time you found yourself swept away into the comparison trap?  Describe the situation.

2.    List 10 strengths you have been given by God.  Thank Him for each one.

QUICK PRAYER –

Lord God,

Thank you for knitting me uniquely together in my mother’s womb.  You designed me this way to run the divine race you’ve marked out for me.  Help me throw off comparison and put on gratitude today and everyday.

In Jesus’ Precious Name I Pray, Amen

TODAY’S THOUGHTS – Lovingly Made!

Personal Bible Study- Read, record, and reflect on these scriptures. Let them seep into your soul.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 –

1 Chronicles 16:34 –

Psalm 100 -