The Present Moment

When I was younger, my biggest concern was having a boyfriend. I thought that if I could find a guy who could want me, then my life would be absolutely perfect. I invested my worth in the judgments of boys who played fleeting roles in my life. I allowed them to determine whether I was truly beautiful, smart, funny or skinny enough. My heart was forever restless, searching and aching for some boy to tell me that I was his happy fairytale ending.

Their attention made my world go around. With it, I felt like I was on top of the world. I felt strong enough to take on each day and whatever would come my way. Without their attention, my heart plummeted to despair. I felt like I would never be good enough for anyone. I feared that I would never find someone who would think that I was enough for them.

Looking back now, it hurts to see how dependent I was for any silly boy to give me attention and tell me my worth. I lived for their approval; and without it, I felt like I was truly nothing. I finally began to realize that my worth is unchangeable. Despite what they thought of me, I was still beautiful and smart … and enough. I have strength and talents and passion for life that they would never care enough to understand. The true value of my worth was never for a moment measured by their approval.

It doesn’t matter what others think of you. They might overlook the best in you. It matters what you think about you and what God thinks about you. He will love you no matter what. He sent his Son to die for you, and a love like that is unbelievable and crazy. Just reflect on that. A love like that proves how incredible you are, how unique and perfect and wonderfully made you are.

“You can be the most beautiful person in the world and everybody sees light and rainbows when they look at you, but if you yourself don't know it, all of that doesn't even matter. Every second that you spend on doubting your worth, every moment that you use to criticize yourself; is a second of your life wasted, is a moment of your life thrown away. It's not like you have forever, so don't waste any of your seconds, don't throw even one of your moments away” (Author C. Joybell C.)

Don’t doubt yourself. And don’t waste your life like I did, always wondering and worrying if someone else thinks you are enough. Because the unconditional answer is you are already enough; you have always been enough – more than enough. Your life has more meaning and beauty than anyone else (including you!) will ever realize. Don’t let anyone change your mind about that.

Try to find peace wherever you are. I remember being in a constant state of worry and confusion about the future. That took away so much time when I could have been enjoying every moment that came my way. Don’t spend so much time being restless and aching to find love in your life. Regardless of whether you’re in a relationship, you already have a love unlike any other – the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

Let Christ be the source of your peace instead of always trying to find refuge and strength in another person. His peace is one that truly satisfies. Let him wrap you up in his love and he will whisper over and over to you, “My grace is enough for you. You are my beloved son or daughter. I am with you always.”