Embracing the Person God Made

In his book, New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton observed that a tree gives glory to God by being a tree.  I often recite this phrase like a mantra in my  head as a reminder that my only job is to be my most authentic self.  I’ve discovered that the more I embrace the person God made me, the more I’m able to love God.  And, really, that’s the only thing I can offer to God and the world.

Pastor and NYFD Chaplain Ann Kansfield.   Be the Brave One

Sometimes I think. . .no a lot of times I think. . . is God shaking his head?  At us?  Not in a bad or judgy way.  In a perplexed way.

OMG. . .In So Many Ways. . .shaking his head. . .why are they so hard on themselves?

Why can’t they love themselves as I love them?

Lifetimes of striving.  Pretending. Rejecting this vessel.  The vessel created by God.  Which, in and of itself, makes it a pretty  good vessel.  But somehow, we decide, not good enough.

OMG. . .In So Many Ways. . .God shakes his head

Why can’t I be like them?  Maybe this will make me better?  Or that?  If only.

And then. . .one day. . .hopefully. . .we wake up.  We ARE good enough!  God made ME.  THIS WAY.  And that is good enough. Imagine that!

OMG. . .In So Many Ways. . . God nods.  Now she’s got it.  Embrace the vessel I created.  That’s all I’ll ever need.  All the world needs.  Good enough.