For the last three years I have chosen my One Word, a word that embodies the quality I want to keep in focus. In 2012, I wanted JOY to be evident in my life. I decided to be FEARLESS in 2013. This year, my aim is to be ABIDING in Jesus and in His Word.
What characteristic do I have that I would like to see gone this year? I wavered between lazy and self-critical. I decided I thought I was lazy because I was being self-critical!
Seriously, I do often think of myself in self-critical terms. I don't like the way I look. I'm hard on myself when I mess up. I'm convinced others see me as lame. And on and on ....
The truth is, I am God's masterpiece.
Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Recently, I quoted this scripture to a girl-friend as we were discussing whether or not we are happy with ourselves. The fact is, He made us the way we are On Purpose!
That's not to say that we should not work on improving. I am definitely a believer on striving for becoming the best me I can be - with His help.
I am His handiwork. He knew me inside out before I was even created yet decided I was worth it and made me anyway. Who am I to run down His creation?
So in 2014, along with abiding in Him, I'm going to work on being less self-critical. I'm going to extend the same kindness to myself that I would give anyone else. Look for the good and not dwell on the negative.
I'm gong to be {Un} self-critical.
How about you? What one word would you like to see less of in yourself? Leave a comment, or link up at Edie's place, life(in)grace.
I like how you take a word for the year. I am going to think on that for a bit and try it out.
ReplyDeleteGreat post today. Yes, we are God's handiwork and He puts the desire in our hearts to improve (with His help) don't you think?
Have a blessed day!
What a wonderful goal to pick for your un-word! I think I would have chosen the same thing. I think very critically of myself often, but sometimes I think about what you talked about. I saw a quote talking about this, how God created us like his painted masterpiece and we shouldn't be criticizing it. I've read things on this a few times, but not put quite as beautifully as you said it.
ReplyDeleteI love that verse. I'm going to write that in the cover of my journal.
I hope you're having a blessed day :)
really hope you can become un-self-critical in 2014. hope I can too! I think it's something many women struggle with. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete