Unique

Inadequate? Do you ever feel that way? Something I have battled on and off for years. As a single, I felt inadequate because I wasn't married. What was wrong with me? What was it about me that was so unlovable - too fat, too opinionated, not cute enough, not worthy enough....

As I moved into married life followed shortly by motherhood, I felt inadequate that I wasn't in to scrapbooking, that I didn't have a creative bone in my body, that I wasn't a great chef, didn't care for the arts and crafts of childhood....what was wrong with me? It seemed like everyone around me exceled at these things and yet, here I was a mom who would rather stick her nose in a spreadsheet and manipulate numbers. Sick, I know.

Yes, I know my identity is found in Christ and I should be content in how He made me, but it wasn't until recently that I have pondered this about myself. The Lord created me uniquely. Earthshattering? No, but as I have prayed to see the uniqueness in each of my children so I can parent to his/her uniqueness, I have also realized that the Lord has made me unique in my own way. I am unique in that I would spend hours digging around to get an answer to a question that I don't understand. Unique in that I will research a topic to death - hence, being able to make recommendations on things such as why a child refuses to sleep. Unique in that the world to me is black and white enabling me to speak the truth - now just being able to do that in love.

In that, I have come to love and appreciate the beauty, creativity and uniqueness of the women around me. Instead of saying, what's wrong with me? Why can't I do that? I marvel at how the Lord has uniquely gifted the women in my life. Instead of comparing I have realized how much I can learn from them.

I appreciate the uniqueness in:
Katie - for her ability to create invitations, crafts, etc like no other.
Missy - for her ability to bring humor and encouragement to the mom's who read her blog
Sharyn - for her ability to design faith building jewelry
Stacy - for her ability to pray me through any situation
Melinda - for her ability to organize and manage the details of whatever is thrown her way
Shannon and Robin - for their ability to decorate and make the world a more beautiful place (boy, I need people like you in my life since I am color challenged)
Heather - for her ability to see the positive in all situations
Christine - for jumping in wherever she is needed
Leanne - for making the Bible relevant to our daily lives
Kenzie - and her ability to write
My mom and her energy and her tireless encouragement

and the list goes on. If I haven't mentioned you, it doesn't mean that I haven't seen the beauty and uniqueness in your life....it just means I have lots of packing to do right now and need to get back to it. Email me...I'd be happy to share with you the uniqueness I see in your life.

Much love to you all.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14