So all week, I was trying to decide what topic I wanted to share today for Sunday Sunshine. We talked about some really great things in church, but I wasn’t quite sure if they were what I wanted to share. Then last night, I was thumbing through Instagram and noticed a ‘follow friday’ suggestion. That’s when someone on Instagram recommends another Instagrammer to follow… on Friday. Anyway, one of the suggestions was this gal, I shall not name, but dang… her photos were beautiful. SHE is beautiful. Her home is beautiful, her clothes are high-end, and on and on. Literally, everything was picture perfect.
It was sorta… fascinating.
For a minute, I started to think, ‘Dang, I’m looking pretty slobby right now. Or maybe, always.’ And, ‘Shoot, my house is no where near that white, sparkly, and clutter-free.’ And, ‘Eeek, my hair needs some major gloss-action and two feet extra length, or something.’ Those thoughts really happened, I was so disappointed in myself.
Every part of me KNOWS that I am so blessed. I have more than I could ever deserve. I know I have a purpose that is only mine and that I’m important to God. How ridiculous it was for me to think for one second that I was not enough, that I haven’t been given enough, or that my life is not as important. Ew. Ugly thoughts. Untrue thoughts. I can’t compare my life to beautifully staged photographs, or to any person, for that matter. Thoughts, step aside. When I prayed that night, I was so anxious to apologize to my Heavenly Father. How offensive that must be to Him.
I scrolled down on a couple of the photos, and my heart sank… I was seeing comments like, ‘I wish I had your life.’ ‘I dream of being you.’ ‘Your life is so perfect.’
Bleh. Obviously, I can’t say that those thoughts didn’t cross my mind too, because they did. But I wanted to comment to each of those people and say, ‘NOOOOOO!!! You are special! You are important! There is only one you and you have a specific purpose on this earth.’
You might never be in the limelight. You might never have pouty lips and 3 feet of glossy hair. You might never have a closet filled with hundreds of designer pieces. You might not have a major social media following or be the talk of the town. You might always live in a humble home with no room to spare. But, that’s totally okay. YOU cannot be replaced. You have something to offer… we ALL do, those more visible and those who aren’t. And, that’s one of the things that makes life so exciting. The potential we all have, when tapped in to, makes amazing things happen. Some of the most beautiful moments happen behind the scenes and may only be known by you and God. You may not receive worldly recognition, but God will bless you… and, that’s even better. I promise.
It’s really cool to be YOU. Just so you know.
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I loved this talk called, You Matter to Him by Dieter F. Uchtdorf ~ These are some of my most favorite parts!
“The Lord doesn’t care at all if we spend our days working in marble halls or stable stalls. He knows where we are, no matter how humble our circumstances. He will use—in His own way and for His holy purposes—those who incline their hearts to Him.
God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history. They are the blessed, humble souls who emulate the Savior’s example and spend the days of their lives doing good.”
“… what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him. Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.
Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.
God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him.”
And, finally… a gal in the limelight who is beautiful and amazing (And, we’re all okay with that, right? Because EVERYONE has their own story and unique purpose,) Brooke White (who was a fave of mine on American Idol) singing the most perfect song, Something Divine. Think about the words, my friends.
Challenge of the Week: Pray and thank God for all the blessing you have been given. Evaluate your life and see what you can do to bring it more in line with His will. When you are living as you should, your life’s purpose will unfold, and you will have a greater understanding of God’s love for you.
Looking for more inspiration, check out these past posts: How to Never Miss a Day of Scripture Reading, Why Are Your Favorite Bloggers Mormon?, and Sunday Sunshine Week 4.
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