january twenty-eighth...

Today has been pretty good. I had lab early this morning, and our professor brought our entire class of six people doughnuts, which even though i do not eat them, was still incredibly kind of him. I then had breakfast with one of my friends Taylor and after that I took the test to get into Grady for next semester, which is still up in the air. But as a precautionary measure, I wanted to take it. Then, I was able to get a short nap in before practice, which was really nice. I ran by myself today, and just did a lot of thinking. I'm not sure if anyone else ever feels the way, but often my thinking is more like praying. It's not simply thoughts that are my own, but thoughts that I have then pray about. Those runs are the best there ever are, when I'm just able to talk to my Father and listen to whatever it is He wants to say. Today He laid a verse on my heart that I often forget, but one that I love. "The King is enthralled with your extravagant beauty, honor Him for He is your Lord." Psalm 45:11. I've been struggling with this a lot lately, and I'm not even sure why. I think it's just something that the devil tries to throw at girls in particular. This image of not being good enough or pretty enough, or anything. Do not misunderstand me, I am not insecure. I am comfortable with who I am most of the time, but sometimes evil comes in and tries to make me forget the creation that I am in the Lord and the beauty and joy he derives from me. I wish all girls knew this, all girls saw this. That there is a Father who loves us more than anyone and finds our beauty not just to be great, but to be extravagant. That is such a compliment! But why shouldn't it be, we serve a beautiful King and He simply cannot make people any other way, because He forms us in His likeness and we cannot be something that He is not. Though we fall short of who He is all the time, we are His creation and a reflection of Him. That is so freeing and so soothing when evil tries to wage war within you.

That's really all I have tonight. So whoever you are, if you're reading this, know this- The One who created the Heavens and the Earth calls you a masterpiece. He describes your beauty as extravagant and sees you as precious and honored. Learn to delight in the way He has crafted you, not despise the flaws that you create. And remember this, to love the creator we must first be able to see the beauty of his creation. And that my friends, starts with ourselves. Love yourself, love others, love God. It really is that simple.