Beauty in His Eyes

My whole life, I have struggled with feeling like I don’t belong. Despising the things that make me “different” and feeling like I don’t “fit” anywhere. But, for the last few years I have been working on trying to change how I think. Learning to see myself as God sees me. But that is a process that takes time and it hasn’t been without setbacks.

This last week, I got buried under an onslaught of comparison, negative thoughts, and self-doubt. I faced some writing disappointments, didn’t reach a few goals that I had set for myself, had a challenging week in parenting – while trying to complete renovations in our house, struggled with anxiety and rejection, and just over-all exhaustion. I was hampered by a feeling of not measuring up. Feeling lost, disconnected, “not enough”. Not acceptable. Maybe you can relate.

I knew in my heart that the thoughts flooding my mind were lies, but they came strong and fast, and I buckled for a moment. I was temporarily blinded, but I knew where I needed to go. I crawled into my Abba’s arms and asked Him to open my eyes to the Truth, to remind me of who He made me to be. And He did, beautifully reminding me of His Love and my value to Him that took my breath away.

Our world is filled with color. A kaleidoscope of textures and shapes. A riot of constantly changing beauty. From the grandest of mountains to the smallest speck of dust, we’re surrounded by the thought, care, and design of an Artist creating His masterpiece.

Every sunrise and sunset.
Every blade of grass.
Every leaf and flower.
Every snowflake and grain of sand.

Each one is unique and bears the Master’s signature. And the wonder of their singularity fascinates us.

So, why do we call the beauty of the sunset perfection – though no two are ever alike – our appreciation of their individuality a nod to the Creator, and yet look in the mirror, viewing our own uniqueness and call it flawed? Why do we compare ourselves and when we aren’t “equivalent” to our neighbours, or the culturally “acceptable” mold, we label ourselves, our actions, our way of thinking and feeling, a mistake? Substandard. Imperfect.

*Why is it so easy to see beauty in creation, but not when we look at ourselves?

*Why do we focus on our quirks and differences as if they were something to be hidden, despised, or changed rather than seeing the carefully planned strokes of the Master’s brush?

*Why do we try so hard to be “someone else”, to live up to a standard another has set, or conform to a mold that culture demands?

We forget that we are individual masterpieces, created by God in ways that will never be identical to another.

We forget that the pallette of colours, textures, and shapes, that make our world beautiful were meant to show us our beauty too.

God’s crowning creation, most precious and formed with His own Hands, given life with His own breath, was mankind. His wealth of creativity and love for each one of us, would not allow for making copies.

Each of us is a dearly loved original. And that’s why it breaks His heart when we fail to see the treasure that He made us to be. When we hide away the wonderful differences – the cascade of colours – that make us an original and trade them instead for shades of gray.

Only the Artist determines the beauty and worth of a masterpiece. And He’s determined that YOU are Priceless!

Beauty is not in the eye of the beholder. The beholder merely forms their own opinion and interpretation based on their tastes and biases. That’s why we need to learn to see with the eyes of the One Who designed us. In all of our individual, quirky, beautiful ways. Because only the Artist determines the beauty and worth of a masterpiece. And He’s determined that you are priceless. A magnificent one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Just the way you are.

Perhaps you’ve had a week like I have. Perhaps you struggle with thoughts of insignificance and doubt your worth. But, like me, I hope that your eyes are opened to see the Truth. That you ask the Creator to whisper to your heart, just as He did to mine. Because you won’t see what the Artist sees until you look at yourself through His eyes. Only then can you understand and embrace the wonder that is You.

“Grow in the root of all grace, which is faith. Believe God’s promises more firmly than ever. Allow your faith to increase in its fullness, firmness, and simplicity.”

Charles Spurgeon

Until next time…