ENOUGH

A few weeks ago I attended a pastors conference in Tulsa, OK. There were a lot of worshipful moments, funny moments and even some thoughtful moments. One particular time that stood out to me was a dramatic portrayal of how human beings grow from simple, fun-loving children, into complex, self-conscious adults. It’s a sad fact that as we age we begin to pay close to attention to our flaws, whether in the mirror or in our personality. We watch television, surf the net, and see plenty of examples of how we could look, feel and be better. The fact is, far too many of us go through life thinking we’re not enough. We think when God made us, He made too many mistakes.

Let me tell you a personal story. In a few months I will be selling my house. My family and I have lived in it for about 9 years, but the house itself is around 25 years old. I love it, but it was time for us to move because our family is growing. When we first walked into the house 9 years ago I remember pointing out all the flaws. It needed new carpet, a new deck, and the kitchen was outdated. We made an offer cause it was ENOUGH for us! Over the years we made upgrades where we could, fixed things when they broke, and cared for our home because it was ours.

Then we decided to sell…

We got the house ready for viewing, and in the extremely HOT Nashville housing market, had over 50 showings in about two weeks. It was non-stop people walking through the house, dissecting its appearance, pointing out every flaw, even criticizing upgrades we had made. “It’s too small. It’s outdated. It’s not private enough. I don’t like the layout.” All valid points for people who are looking for a home, but that didn’t mean we weren’t hurt by it. After all, we are the owners. It’s OURS.

Sometimes I think about the builder of our house. I think about the plans that were followed during construction. I wonder if the workers ever thought about the families that the roof would keep safe from thunderstorms, or the living room that would host so many wonderful friends and family. Yes there are flaws in the house, but that’s what makes it a home, and that home is ENOUGH for me.

Now, let me relate that to what we see in the mirror every day. You…yes YOU, are enough! Every single person walking this planet has flaws, and if the internet has taught us anything, it’s that people will go to great lengths to point out every flaw and try to convince you to be more.

But here’s a truth you need to know.

You were created. There were plans for you that the builder followed. Making sure that every spot and wrinkle was in the right place. In fact, the very things that you think are mistakes are probably the things that someone loves about you. It’s what makes you, YOU!

And YOU are loved by your creator…
AND YOU are loved by so many…

YOU. Are. Enough!

By the way, one family came to our home and fell in love with it. They didn’t see flaws, they saw themselves raising a family there. In a short time the home will go from OURS to THEIRS, and I am very excited for them.

If you ever feel like you’re not enough, read Psalm 139. Let that Scripture reveal to you how perfect you are!

Psalm 139:13-15 (NIV)

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.