The world around me is beautiful, and I like adding to its beauty. I like to create things, to make things, especially beautiful things—especially for other people. One of my favorite things in the world is to be able to give gifts. (I actually like giving gifts as much as I like getting gifts!)
But something within me insists that I need to make beautiful things for myself, too. This still, quiet voice insists that I deserve beauty—I deserve to profit from beauty, to experience it, to enjoy it.
The question is, what will I create for myself? Not in a selfish way, but in an act of genuine self-love, because I am worthy, deserving, and because Jesus is in me; when I show love to and for myself, I am showing love to and for Jesus. What better way could there be to praise the Lord?
So today, I made some beauty:
How do you need to show yourself some love? Maybe, like me, you’re an artsy/craftsy person and need to make something for yourself this time. Or maybe you just need to go for a walk out in nature a couple times this week, or buy yourself a nice cup of coffee. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to take a shot at it.
So often, it’s so easy to talk ourselves out of doing things to love ourselves. Our lives are spent in love and service to others, which is the best way we can live, but sometimes, we have to remember that we are worth it, too.
Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing more beautiful than living generously. Sometimes, ever so sneakily, the lie that we shouldn’t be generous to ourselves plants itself in our minds. And today, we’re going to shake that little lie off.
Don’t forget: You are loved, and this is the first step in learning how to love yourself.
