Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

 

As a very long day drew to a close, I was walking across a parking lot and thinking of dinner and the hope of sleep. I was preparing to take a picture, which as you know, is not unusual. But, suddenly, all I could focus on was my shadow.

Since I was facing east, my shadow was no longer following me. Instead, it led the way. Strange to think that the shadow was me. My head too small. My legs to long. My clothes too big. It was very funny to see myself as a shadow leading the way. It was also funny to see that I often think of the substantial me in the same terms as the shadow me. All I see is what I don’t like about myself. I need to lose weight. I am looking old. I need a new look when it comes to my clothes. Strange that my first thought seldom, if ever, seems to be what I like about myself.

I have a feeling I am not alone in this realization. It is hard to not judge ourselves on our appearance and achievements. It is hard to not judge ourselves by whatever the current image of beauty or success may be. But there is so much more to us that cannot be judged by such superficial criteria. We are unique. And, in our own way, each one wonderful.

The Psalmist writes these familiar words, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

You. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Everyone you meet is fearfully and wonderfully made. Why not see it that way?

Peace.