As I sit here in the Starbucks on my lunch break, I notice quite a few suntanned women dressed in their shorts and cute summer tops, radiating the glow that comes with being pretty, happy and healthy. I instantly compare them to myself and begin to take inventory of my flaws and individual insecurities, which include my very pale skin, dark circles, stringy hair, drab work clothes … oops—there I go again… dialing in on all that I think is wrong with me! Starting to race through my mind are thoughts such as, “why do all of these women have it so together and I don’t?” or “gee, why can’t I look that cute in workout clothes? Flaunting a bouncy ponytail, instead of looking worn out and frumpy…” And all too quickly, the pity party of one begins.

Why do we gravitate towards comparing ourselves to others? Why do we let the world dictate what is success, happiness and beauty, when the Creator of this very world itself specifically designed our individual make up. How do we discipline ourselves to turn to Him at all times so that we can see ourselves through the lens of our loving, heavenly Father?

Scripture tells us:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139: 13-14

God does not make mistakes and He created you to be exactly who you are at this very moment in time, surrounded by the people he specifically placed in your life. It is time to embrace the creation of God that you are, rather than what you think the world expects you to be. You are fearfully and wonderfully made and adored unconditionally by a God who wants to give you the desires of your heart, so you can live out the life he has planned for you. So on my next visit to pick up my basic venti half-calf, I’ll send my regrets to that pity party, and RSVP to the journey God has in store for me.