Water Your Worth

Have you ever looked at the maps apps and thought, ‘Oh, that is pretty close…’ only to click on directions and see that it is actually further than it looks? Or seen an area and it looks like there is nothing there, only to get there and realize that there is quite a lot? I imagine most people do not walk as much as we do and maybe it is not as relevant with a car but, I also feel there is a lot more to see when right in it on foot (but, vehicles are nice to use when available).

And what about books? Sometimes the book with absolutely no image but a golden line under the title can be a great treasure and then other times it is literally nothing of substance. I have had some of the most impactful reads be in the smallest of forms and couldn’t find anything for me in some of the most elaborate of representation. What I have found works best for me is when I let the Holy Spirit lead… but, that is not what this post is about.

We are told in regards to meeting others, “Not to judge a book by its cover.” and I even remember being told as a young girl, “You never know how it really looks until you put it on.” Stay humble and do not judge for what you judge will be judged by you (paraphrased), is how the Word directs us. But, if we are honest… it is pretty tough instructions at times, yeah? This world thrives on pitting ones against another and social media has made it even easier doing a great job at making sure one is always trying to create the best post for the viewers, wanting to be like so-and-so over there… but, really and truly there is so much more behind the scenes in everyone’s lives and ultimately these “viewers” don’t mean anything. A viewer isn’t going to come and help you move, a viewer isn’t going to feed you a good meal and a viewer, or other profile person, definitely cannot help you be at your best – no matter how many sound advices of theirs you follow…

I have found personally (similar to the previous post “If I had known…”) that there are parts of me on the outside that I appreciate being seen and there are parts of my cover that I know are being regularly looked at, questioned and possibly judged (whether liked or not it is still a judgement). I have also found (in personal observations) that one can be on the journey of The Way for a long time and yet it feels like it is still the beginning and others go so “in” with both feet that they are literally running towards Him at every chance and what might seem like a small amount of time to others has actually covered more and become more than what others would think, giving more insight to share at supposedly “younger” stages.

While I do not hold regrets and know that I have been redeemed and am being used for His glory, the views are still felt. Sometimes it is the tension in the view of, ‘how is she just putting so much hope in God?’, ‘what is she thinking?’, other times it is the perplexity of, ‘why does this beautiful natural woman have so many tattoos?’ (yes, I entered the beautiful for myself and on purpose – not to be conceited but in knowing that I (and you) are all beautiful and loved.) Or the, ‘she makes me feel good or challenged and I have to know more or push buttons because…’ and of course there is the, ‘is that the same “Nic” (past reference of nickname)… I don’t even know her anymore.’ While honestly all of these are tough at times, they are also an honor to which I give God all the glory and turn to Jesus more (for the ways to manage, the responses and even my walk with/to Him). I love Jesus and am so so so grateful for the ways He sees me and calls me His, there is truly no greater feeling or wanting from another than this. My direction and means for this post though, is that we all take a little more account of our thoughts and views and do our best to bring Him through.

It might be outdated but it is still quite applicable. WWJD – What would Jesus do? Our greatest aspect and goal of journeying through life is to be like Him who showed us the Way in order to become the image and likeness that we were given life to be. We have to literally set our flesh aside every day and throughout with deliberateness knowing that the carnal temptations (judgement, self satisfying, worldly pleasing, gluttony and many more…) only take us further from living life good and feeling good in life (no matter what the circumstances are). None of this is “easy” per-say but it doesn’t have to be hard either. It just takes proper focus and the focus can only be sought if the garbage is cleared from the view.

Here is our “homework”. Next time a map or cover of any kind is looked at, keep yourself from any expectations and judgements (as best you can) and continue to choose to. Most of the time we get the greatest surprises when we truly just simply allow Him to show what He wants us to see, and it is usually always beyond the lenses of the world or what we have been trained to see/believe. Are you able and willing to allow your interactions, views and days to unfold for and with the One that made you to enjoy His creation? Here is a spoiler: life, birds, flowers, sunrises, sunsets and stars are always better when experienced with Him. He just has to be invited, as a proper gentleman. 🙂