What made you feel special when you were a child? Were you praised for anything specific you recall? I remember a couple of times in school a teacher praised something I did in front of the class, which both embarrassed me and made me feel good at the same time. As I got older, I tended to buffer my extreme experiences and didn’t get too excited or disappointed regardless of what happened to me. This middle state is probably true in a lot of other men as well, which might come across as dull or boring to others. Just because we keep a poker face on the outside at times doesn’t mean that we don’t experience emotions or care about others at all, but just temper those things more often. The highest moments in my life anymore are when I can help a child learn something new, or speak words of truth or encouragement to them. This may also balance the amount of times I am reminding or correcting them as well. What made you feel most loved as a child?
O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:1-5
So, today is my birthday and it doesn’t really feel much different than most other days, except that you just know its your birthday, and maybe feel a little special just by that fact. As I get older, I really don’t seek out any special celebrations, but in my immediate family, we get to pick a favorite meal and a cake or other pastry (e.g. Cherry Pie) to celebrate later in the day. My kids almost like to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ as much to others as on their own birthdays. They may make cards and a small gift, and that is as much appreciated as any other gift they could buy. This year, My brother came in from Hawaii and I got to spend several days and a birthday with him for the first time in over twenty years. My aunt brought over a few dozen cupcakes and spent Labor Day with us while cousins played together. So, that feels a little special and is a nice chance to celebrate and spend time with him. If you could have one birthday wish, what would it be?
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13
Have you ever felt that you are special to God? At different points in my life, I have felt like i didn’t matter to anyone, and on the other end of the spectrum, have felt immensely loved by Him. But it usually falls somewhere in between. It may also depend on how we view our self worth and what gives us self esteem, not that we need to have an overinflated ego, but feeling appreciated is good sometimes. When we measure ourselves by other’s superficial standards of what our Home, vehicle, education, occupation, lawn, kids, or physical appearances, our self worth can fluctuate wildly. When comparing opposite feelings, having a humble heart is usually better than having a prideful heart. We can be humble without feeling like dirt, and we can feel special and loved without feeling like we are more important that we truly are. God can bring about His will with our without us, but I would rather contribute to and be a part of His plan than oppose it, and that makes me feel a little special. I hope you feel special being a part of this family as well!
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, Ephesians 1:11
Yours in Christ,
Clark
