You Have So Much to Offer

When someone hears, “You are beautiful” the tendency is to go to physical beauty. I’m not even discussing outward appearances because all of those will fade someday. I’m also not talking about what you can do either. Some people may think what they can do is was makes them beautiful or worth something in someone else’s eyes. Beauty is so much more than the surface; it goes deeper into the soul and who the person is rather than physical beauty or the amazing feats someone can do.

You know how I know this? I’ve been there. I’ve put my worth into what I’ve been able to do. I’ve never been the superstar of any one thing. There are always people who have been better than I, but I was a fast learner. I’ve ice skated, even skipped a level in the skating courses. I’ve played soccer, though I was never a fan of that huge ball flying into me and leaving its outlines on my skin. I played one season of summer baseball and made the boy’s baseball team as a freshman in high school. I was told I would have made the JV team if I tried out. Sophomore year I switched to softball and made the varsity team. I was told I was there to watch but I played in most games. The list goes on.

I’m not here to promote myself, nor am I suggesting you be amazed at what I’ve done. Was I excited of what I accomplished? For sure! I could wow people with my awesome stories and my fun times, but I put my self worth into what I could do instead of who I am.

I’m only 25 years old. I’m still young and have so many years of my life, the Lord willing, left to live. But no more can I do the things I put my self worth in.

I have many physical ailments. Some days it takes all I have to get to work and I wonder if I’m going to make it through with the pain I’m in. Now I’m not saying this for you to feel sorry for me. There are many others that are so much worse off than I. Please remember that.

Also remember, for years I had put my self worth into what I could do physically. I could wow people, but no more. I could lift fairly heavy things and surprise people because I don’t look muscular. Talk about having an identity crisis right now. I can’t run, I shouldn’t lift heavy objects, I can’t play any sports, sometimes my body hurts as I sit. No longer can I do the things I could always do. Some days it’s down right hard because I feel useless.

Useless. Such a word dives deep into a person’s soul and can utterly crush it. Useless. Try imagining someone telling you, “you’re useless.”

Guess what? I’m not useless and you’re not unless either — no matter your circumstance. 

It doesn’t matter how we look. Beauty fades. It doesn’t matter what we can do. Physical strength fades. It matters who we are. That won’t ever fade. How kind we are, how we treat people, our love for others — that will be with us for the rest of our lives. Therefore ask yourself this question, if you had to pick one, and only one, which would it be? Your fame? Your fortune? They will fade away. Your kindness to a stranger, your smile to a person you meet on the street, or doing something special for a family member, those will be remembered.

Many times you will never know how you’ve helped a person — stranger or family or friend. Kindness is something that cannot be bought. It isn’t at the pharmacy in the store, “Can I take a bottle of kindness, please?” It doesn’t work like that.

This is what I’m talking about. I’m not able to do so many things I once had. I had put into my mind I was worth something because of what I could do. I just cannot anymore and it’s hard. But I’ve come to learn it’s my heart and kindness that makes me who I am, not what I can or cannot do.

You know what? It’s a huge burden off my shoulders! I don’t need to prove or do anything for people to like me or accept me. People like and love me for who I am. My personality and your personality is worth more than gold or the finest silver. It’s more precious than your great-grandmother’s china. Your personality and your caring won’t tarnish, won’t fade, and won’t break. Even when you think you have nothing left, you have you and that is the most important.

Take it from me, life is a gift. Your abilities are a gift. Use who you are with what you have and go forth into the world! Take charge in the world and let them see the wonderful person you are!

Just remember, you have so much to offer.

Keeping the perspective,
Lauren