If only… My hair was longer.
If only… My thighs were smaller.
If only… I was four inches taller.
If only… I was more talented.
If only… I was 20 pounds lighter.
If only… My teeth were straighter.
If only… I was gifted like SHE is.
If only……………………….
How many times have you started a thought with the phrase “If only?” I know I have done it and occasionally still fall back into that trap, especially in the categories of physical attributes and “why-can’t-I-be-more-like-her?”
Let’s be honest—we women are exceptionally hard on ourselves. Some of us probably play the “if only” game on a daily basis. We set such high standards of needing to do it all, be it all for everybody, all the while “looking good.”
Bah. It’s exhausting. (If I ever find out who started this trend, we are going to have words.)
But seriously. Being a woman, specifically a woman of Christ, can be a lot of work—especially when we are focused on the “what we are not” as opposed to the “who we are in Christ.”
This issue of not being content with ourselves, whether it is our physical appearance, skills, abilities, or giftedness is a complicated one. Our discontentment with ourselves can create anxiety. Additionally, every time we start a thought with “if only” it’s like we are saying to God “Hey man—you didn’t know what you were doing when you made me. You aren’t as smart as you think you are.”
AHHH!! That is a terrifying way to look at it—but being ungrateful is a sin, straight up. When we wallow in our “what we aren’ts” as opposed to how God made us, we are saying God didn’t know what He was doing. That makes my stomach flop just thinking about it!
You, my friend, are a work of art. And like all original art pieces—you are unique. There is no one exactly like you and God put A LOT of planning and thought into how He created you.
You have a purpose that no one else can fill- no matter what size of feet you have or what color your hair is. You are loved. Unique. And purposeful.
Just that concept alone should be a primary root for contentment. Rejoice in the fact that God’s loving hand shaped you. It’s pretty incredible that a God who has an entire world to deal with spent time thinking about the shape of your nose and how you would be gifted.
I say that is top ten Coolest. Thoughts. Ever. (Makes my heart all warm and fuzzy!)
In order to get us away from the “If only” game of doom, we are changing it up today—our topic for discussion is the “Glad I have” game… Here’s how to play…
Think of AT LEAST five characteristics, talents, skills that you are glad God gave you. (Please include a minimum of at least one physical attribute.) Or you can just brainstorm and list as many as you can in two minutes. Then comment below with your “Glad I have” lists (or at least part of them.)
To be fair, I will get us started… (in no particular order…)
“I, Sharita Gwen Knobloch am glad I have… strong fingernails, a cute nose, the gift to write, laugh, teach, speak, super thick hair, small hands, sweet curves, a sense of humor, organizing ability, uniquely colored eyes and a legit badonkadonk (aka keister.)”
What does your list look like? I can’t wait to see it and rejoice in it with you—share below!! 🙂
Let’s switch from the “if onlys” to the “glad I have.” Be content with YOU!!
Created in Christ,
SGK
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” ~Psalm 139:14
If you are “officially” participating in our online bible study “Calm my Anxious Heart,” here is your homework for this upcoming week! Be blessed!
Day 1: Study Guide– Question 1, Memorize Matthew 20:28
Day 2: Study Guide– Question 2, a; b;c;d.
Day 3: Study Guide–Question 2, e;f;g;h.
Day 4: Study Guide– Questions 3, 4
Day 5: Study Guide– Questions 5, 6, 7
***Extra***
Word Study: Matthew 20:28
Serve; Give; Ransom
Word Study: Phil. 2: 3-4
Selfish ambition; Vain; conceit; Humility
