She's Not Her Either.

The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,

but they cannot compare with the 

wings and feathers of the stork.

Job 39:13 (NIV)

That verse may sound as perplexing as the title of this post.

I'm not sure that I can even grasp the meaning of the verse myself, but you can perhaps gain better understanding of the title by reading my prior entry here.

I'm not her...that perfect woman.

And in reality, she's not either.

No matter how sparkly our smiles are on Sunday morning...or at Ladies Bible Study...or at the company picnic...or at the neighborhood swimming pool, each of us carry some amount of heartache within.

Why do we compare ourselves to others? 

Why do we pack up our emotional belongings and head out on a trip to LessThanLand?

Why do we assume that her life is pure sunshine?

Why do we put pressure on her to live up to the standards we constructed in our minds? She carries her own burdens and insecurities without our aid in heaping them on.

I've been on both sides of the fence. Peering at others, wishing my grass was as green. And being looked upon as the one with lush gardens.

Either way, it's wrong. It's unfair.

Oh that we could see ourselves and her through the eyes of One who truly sees.

We are treasured possessions of the Creator of the universe (Deut. 7:6), the One who knows our every thought and Whose thoughts of us are too numerous to count. (Psalm 139:2,18). We all are loved with an unfailing love, a love so great that He would allow His own Son to be sacrificed on our behalf. (John 3:16)

Each of us falls victim to the reality that "In this world you will have trouble." And likewise to the future hope that we "take heart [because He has] overcome the world." (John 16:33)

So let's pray for one another. Let's give ourselves and her a break. Let's cut the cords of comparison.

Whether we are "ostriches" or "storks," we are all in need of the Savior and His loving mercy and grace. And He has poured it out for us in abundance. Let's follow His example and do the same.

I'm praying for your wings of freedom to "flap joyfully" today! Also praying that if you find yourself "earthbound" that He will set your heart on higher ground. You are loved!

I Am Not Her

The LORD your God has chosen you...to be His people, His treasured possession."

Deuteronomy 7:6b (NIV)

She's perfect.

Her hair is. No frizz. The ringlets fall in spirals. Her tresses flow like silk. The shade enhances the beauty of her skin...

Which is flawless. No blemishes. No age spots. Not a wrinkle to be found, except those darlin' little laugh lines that surround her perfect smile.

Her body is toned and beautifully tanned.

And her wardrobe...classic...sophisticated...or trendy and cute. She can pull off any style.

Not only is she a beauty, but she is savvy and smart. No task is her master.

She is the queen of hospitality. She whips up delightful fare in effortless fashion and serves it to the masses with elegance and grace.

She is the consummate wife and mother. There's only laughter in her home. Never an angry word or raised voice. She's even seen as "cool" in the eyes of her teenagers.

Her home is spotless. Dust bunnies don't know her address.

Even the lawn is impeccable. Her gardens lush, a paradise with the perfect combination of sun and shade. Always smelling of gardenias and jasmine.

And I am not her.

The good news is that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," and the One whose beholding matters calls us His "treasured possession."

"The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession. The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were [perfect, cute, or have an immaculate house (KOV-Kristi's Own Version)]. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers....keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands." Deuteronomy 7:6-9 (NIV)

When we walk past the mirror, it is my prayer that we see a beautiful, beloved, daughter of the King...chosen, gifted, and called by Him..."a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor" (Isaiah 61:3b), not our own.