Thursday, June 6, 2013

The Way We Are is NO Mistake

Have you ever asked yourself, "Why am I the way that I am?"  I have.  Too many times to count.  Growing up I would always ask myself, "Why am I so loud, flippant and obnoxious?  I don't want to be!  It was lots of fun most of the time and I know I brought love and care to many people, but there were also many times of regret in things that I said and did.  I thought I wanted to be quieter.  Smaller.  Figuratively and literally.  I had a mentor tell me that my personality wasn't from God, and that I really should be somebody else.  He suggested my personality was actually crappy, annoying, and wrong.  ouch.  Did God make a mistake when He created me?

Me after completing a labyrinth walk
Before it hurt to realize the flaws inside me, but using them as a reminder to allow the beauty of my personality to be refined- to listen more, think first- has been a great tool for improving my life, not changing my center. 

My center. 

I love this.  I can't take credit- it comes from my daughter Natalie's current favorite movie, Rise of the Guardians.  I love it too, and it truly reflects my own journey to finding my center, who I am, why I'm here, and how God can use me- my personality- as I allow Him to refine me.

I know He didn't make a mistake even though I have made thousands.  "You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe.  Every day was recorded in your book." Psalm 139:16.  He also told me, "I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth.  Even when you are old, I will be the same.  Even when your hair is gray, I will take care of you.  I made you and I will take care of you." Isaiah 46:3-4.

YES!  I knew it!  Be refined, always, but always trust that God created you for a special purpose with a true uniqueness that is special in this world.

Your thought for today,
Anna


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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 6, 2013 at 3:51 PM

    This is so awesome Anna and something that I have very recently been struggling with a great deal. There are times I wish I was completely different (softer, more introspective and quiet, hehe) but then I realize that I am who I am and that's how God intended me to be~but allowing myself to be refined according to his hand, which is an ongoing process, and hard when you want to see immediate changes...thank you for being so open and honest...now that's a wonderful personality trait. The world and God needs/uses all kinds of people and personalities in a way unique to our direction and calling.

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    1. UnknownJune 6, 2013 at 5:29 PM

      Thank you, anonymous! I'm so glad this touched you.

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  2. ChristineJune 7, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    Anna, I experience the same, though my personality is seen a near opposite of what you describe. I'm too nice, taken advantage of, a people pleaser, a perfectionist. Nice is a 4-letter word to me. I am nearly 35 years old and only recently stuck up for myself loud and clear (and the message was heard) in a professional setting that this is who God made me to be. And being "me" works! Leaning into my spiritual gifts will glorify Him and influence others. That's all I need. And I needed this beautiful reminder today. Thank you for your insightful, beautiful words...one of your MANY gifts from God! Much love, my dear!

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    1. Anna EverhartJune 7, 2013 at 12:36 PM

      I'm so glad you stood up for yourself!! I actually, while loud and talkative, curl up in the fetal position when someone hurts my feelings and I don't stand up for myself either. The human doormat syndrome is somnething I've dealt with because I truly care so much, so I can relate to you a lot!

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