you're not a mistake

Annaleigh is in love with mud puddles.

I've started walking, regularly, while pushing Annaleigh in her stroller, in an attempt to help my body endure the impending labor and delivery of my son (the sweet little champ is due in August).  Clearly, this new exercise regime {can I call it that?  I mean, I do break into a sweat, in spite of my slow-waddling-like gait} is not meant to get me skinny.  Because let's face it, with about 2 months to go, I'm not about to get any thinner!  All that walking has made me feel better, healthier.  And I think those exercise endorphins are finally starting to work.  Which is a good thing, because...

I remember reading somewhere {don't ask me where} that a girl's self-esteem is learned from her mother.  More specifically, if a mother owns a positive self-image, then, so too, will her daughter learn to have her own positive self-image.

That spoke volumes to me when I came across it.  Seeing as I have a daughter AND a lower view of myself than I ought {at least, according to my husband...he's such a sweetie, isn't he?...}

Today, during my quiet time, I came across Isaiah 45:9 and Psalm 139:13-18.  Isaiah speaks of the imminent woe that comes to the creation when it questions it's Creator.  Psalms speaks of God's specific purpose for, and formation of, me {and you}.

Most days, {because of that curséd mirror} I don't feel that I am made according to God's perfect design - my strengths, my talents and even my limitations {all that cellulite! when the heck did that happen??}

Shame on me! I thought, as the conviction fell upon my heart:  Why do I question God's craftsmanship?  Who am I that I should challenge my Maker's design??

It's so easy, though, to lose perspective when we live in a society that has the goal to make you feel unsatisfied with your life and everything in it.  And most days, for me anyway, the category most affected is my body image.

The moral of my story?

The image that God sees in me, the one that He made, should be the driving force behind my healthy habits.  It shouldn't be how I view myself {away with you, you big ole butt! hello sweet-looking legs...}, because I see with imperfect and finite eyes.  My driving force shouldn't even be the "visual" results {or lack, thereof...} 

I need to work hard to keep the body that God has "intricately woven", healthy; I need to be a good steward of His gifts.  I need to start appreciating the creation that I am:  a creation that was made in the image of God.

Hey, beautiful.  Did you forget that?  That's right.  You were made in the image of God.  So learn to love yourself.  Because God loves you.  And He doesn't make mistakes...

I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14-15

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