It is interesting to me how we place value on most everything. We place obvious values on the things we are willing to spend our money. We place value on our time – what will we do and what will we have to say no to doing. We even place value on people. Some people offer more than others in our eyes. We look at what they bring to the table, so to speak. It is how business works and we let that flow into our personal lives. It easily spills over into how we see ourselves. We look at how valuable we are to others. But what if we are looking at it all wrong? What if we are missing it? What if our measurement is incorrect?
One of the most precious people in my life is my Grandmother. She is a sweet, petite, little firecracker. She has helped to raise a family, take care of a farm, and work a job on her own. She has spent her life working (and working really hard). She cleans more precise than anyone I know. She has cooked so many meals and fed so many stomachs that it cannot be counted. She has been an encourager and always tried to live out her beliefs. She loves God and she loves her family. I think she is pretty incredible.
Grandma is getting older. She cannot do the things she once did. She cannot cook or clean or work as she always has. Her body is giving her every signal that she needs to rest more and work less. This isn’t really working well for her. It isn’t who she has been for all these years. And it is obvious this bothers her. It is obvious she is upset she has to have help. She doesn’t like the fact that she cannot do all she wants to do. She sometimes indicates that she doesn’t want to be a burden or bother others. But Grandma is missing it. She is missing the fact that her value is not in her work or her cooking or anything else she has done. Her value is in her. She is the gift. She is the treasure. No matter what she can or cannot do – she is the most valuable. It doesn’t require her to work or cook or anything else at this point. She has done her work. She can now allow others to help her – those she has helped so many times before. She can now just enjoy her days without worrying about all the things to do. But this requires her to see that her value is found in her. She is a beautiful creation of God who is a joy simply because she is here. Nothing is required of her. She can just be and that is enough for us all.
Where do you place your value? When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see a valuable gift of God? Do you see a beautiful creation by the ultimate Creator? Do you see that you hold value simply because you are here? Don’t miss it. Our value isn’t based on the world’s system. Our value is based in the One who gives us life and breath. And he thinks you are more valuable than you could ever imagine.
Focus Scripture:
Matthew 10:30-31
30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 