Accept yourself for the wonderful person God made you to be

Has an unexpected life change thrown you off course?

Are you struggling with uncertainties and failing to see the worth within yourself because of a situation from your past?

Has an unexpected life change thrown you off course?

Are you struggling with uncertainties and failing to see the worth within yourself because of a situation from your past?

Or perhaps, are you feeling unsure about your future and what to do next?

I once heard a fictional story that a friend told me which carries with it an important life message. It was about a gardener who would carry two large pots filled with water a half of a mile up the road to water her neighbor’s special plants.

To make carrying the filled pots easier, the gardener hung one green pot on one end, and the other blue pot on the other end of a long pole. So, all through the warm weather months, the gardener would first fill the pots with water, place the pole behind her neck with the two pots attached to either side, and walk to her neighbor’s property.

However, the green pot had a small crack in it. And while the blue pot always transported a full portion of water, the green, cracked pot reached its destination, only half full.

For years, the gardener faithfully watered her neighbor’s plants with the two pots. But as time went on, the green cracked pot was feeling shame, because of its imperfection. The pot became depressed, since it felt it was able to achieve only half of what it had been created to do.

Finally, the green pot spoke to the gardener, “I have failed you,” said the cracked pot. “I am ashamed and I’m sorry that all these years, I have let you down.”

Shocked, the gardener questioned, “But why? Why are you so upset?”

The green pot was sobbing and replied, “I feel old and useless and inadequate, because of my flaws. The fresh water always leaks out of my pot, and I’ve only been able to deliver half the water to your neighbor’s garden.”

With kindheartedness, the gardener lifted up the green pot and said, “Come with me, I want to show you something spectacular.”

The gardener strolled along the familiar half mile up the road to her neighbor’s property. As she walked, gingerly holding the green pot, the gardener spoke, “Look over at the beautiful flowers along the path.” Indeed, the path was lined with exquisite pink, orchid and yellow wildflowers. “However,” the gardener explained to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path?” The green pot was speechless, as the gardener continued, “Each day, while we walk to my neighbor’s house, it was you who watered these flowers and helped such beauty to come forth for so many to enjoy.”

Likewise, despite minor flaws or shortcomings, and no matter what has happened in your past, you’re unique and worthy and God made you the way you are for a special reason. Thus, be happy with the wonderful individual that God created you to be and “run the race that is set before you.” Hebrews 12:1.

But many times, we block our own blessings, and the good we can do for others because we don’t feel worthy enough. Negative, false beliefs and thoughts of limita

tions and failures, must be cast out of our lives. Clear out old emotions and old thought patterns. When you undervalue yourself, you end up settling for less than God’s best for you. Move beyond self-imposed boundaries that have tried to hedge you in and see the worth in yourself that God sees in you. From God’s perspective, you’re fully adequate, competent, and valuable; “fearfully and wonderfully made,” Psalm 139:14.

Nurture yourself on all levels; physically, mentally, and spiritually. Carry out at least one enjoyable activity each day that is exclusively for your own self-nurturing.

Eliminate self-criticism and negative self-dialog, and in their place, express gratitude for the person that you are and who you are becoming.

Stop comparing yourself to others. Remind yourself that there’s only one ‘you’ and thus, you have a unique combination of gifts that others do not possess.

Today, value and look at yourself with love and say, “God, I accept your blessings,” “I know you created me and I am good.” Embrace yourself and ask, “What makes me, me?” Then, write in a diary three qualities you like about yourself. Tomorrow, jot down another quality and so forth. Reread your list often.

Focus on all the positive aspects of your life and the extraordinary things you are looking forward to welcoming into your future. I like this quote from Helen Keller, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

Live to your highest ideals. You were born to make a difference and to give this world something that no one else can. Keep your mind on thoughts of faith, hope, joy and expectancy. See the possibilities; see solutions. Think about only what you’d like to experience, and speak words that you want to see manifested.

Accept yourself as the person God created you to be. Nothing is impossible for you; you just have to reach for it. Don’t be afraid. You can do it. God is with you all the way. With His help and guidance, you will achieve your goals.