Recently, I read a quote that said, “Everybody is God’s somebody.”
Can you imagine how different the world would be if each of us truly embraced that thought—that we—each one of us—is important in the scope of this life, and in eternity? How would I behave differently if I believed that my life has value? How would I treat others differently if I believed THEIR life has value?
I thought that quote was such a simple profoundity, and it got me thinking about the value or worth of a person – and whether or not I assign the people that I meet the value they are due. How do I show the people I interact with that I think they are valuable? Do I really even BELIEVE that they are? How can I make THEM believe that?
Enter my five year old son, who, with his innocent charm, unwittingly taught me a life lesson of eternal magnitude.
Here’s the story:
With the recent closure of our precious preschool, I have found myself flung (slightly prematurely) squarely into the talons of full time homemaking and homeschooling – something I always knew I would probably do, but wasn’t feeling quite prepared or equipped to begin yet.
As an ambitious, gregarious person who likes to “make things happen,” I’ve never lacked for a project. Along the way, I’ve been a student, teacher, production director, recording artist, small business owner, skin care consultant, group coordinator, preschool founder, and committee chairperson – to varying degrees of excellence. Accomplishments in each of these roles all contributed to feelings of success in my life. Or you might say they made me feel important.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve made a concerted effort to “do” homemaking and homeschooling right – as I have with every project I have undertaken. I’ve made a home control binder. I’ve done menu plans and shopping lists….created lesson plans and art projects….scheduled play dates and field trips. I’ve packed my husband’s lunch, and been thoughtful about budgeting.
My son has thrived.
As much as he LOVED his preschool teachers, and classroom buddies, he is bounding out of bed each day, so excited to begin the adventures of our home school day.
I was feeling successful, and important…and umm…..valuable.
His appreciation showed, and his affection level grew in just a couple of days, and I was the happy recipient of a plethora of spontaneous hugs, kisses, and “I love you’s.” The other day, he crawled up in my lap for one such snuggle, and I thought I would take a moment to get myself a little affirmation, so I asked him, “Honey, what’s your favorite part of homeschooling?” –expecting him to say something about all the THINGS we’ve (read: I’ve) been doing to make it great. But he said, quickly and unflinchingly, “just being with you, everyday, mommy.”
*Crickets, chirping*
See…I had it backwards. I was finding my value BECAUSE of the things I was doing. But really, I should do them because I AM VALUED.
Me.
Just being Corrina – a child of God, uniquely created in His image – makes me special. Everything I do within that role is BECAUSE I am a life of worth in His sight. That sure changes my motivation, doesn’t it? My son valued ME – above anything I did for him. Just like God.
Kids are so wise, aren’t they.
Therefore, my husband is valuable BEFORE he does anything for me. The girlfriend who isn’t a very available friend is valuable BEFORE she puts anything into the friendship. The salesperson who isn’t working very hard to earn her commission is valuable simply because SHE IS.
If I am to be like Christ, then it is my responsibility to show them that, and treat them accordingly. It could be as simple as a look, a touch, a word….a hug, even. A mindful moment where I assign another child of God’s life the value that God himself does.
So today, I am purposing to live OUT my value instead of trying to make myself valuable. And I’m purposing to affectionately show others that they are valuable too.
Matthew 10:29-31
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. “