We read that God says everything is 'good' after He sits back to admire it. Except people. People, made in His very essence, are 'very good' (Genesis 1:31). So, we are very good. I often struggle to live in the freedom that comes from being 'very good' in God's opinion.
This morning, as I was driving back from the studio and silently musing over my present mental state, I questioned where I am receiving the ideas I am presently believing about myself.
Why am I striving to look perfect?
What is perfection, anyway?
Why am I being so hard on myself?
Why am I feeling down?
And, then, a little voice, whom I presume to be God, clued me in that I am valuing myself how the world values me. This past week, especially, I have succumbed to the desire to fit a particular mold, to be accepted by all, to walk to the beat of their drum. And it just isn't possible. I cannot live up to everyone's expectations and continue to allow my wild-child spirit to live with chutzpah.
Chutzpah. Just typing it makes me want to italicize the word. Merriam Webster defines chutzpah as "personal confidence or courage that allows someone to do or say things that may seem shocking to others."
Living with chutzpah is an amazingly adventurous journey. A journey I was incapable of traveling until I began to remotely believe that I, with my flaws, quirks, and failures, could be considered 'very good' by the Creator of the Universe. But, again, I am often distracted by the dumbest lies.
If you were more fit...
If you were a better friend...
If you were prettier...
If you were smarter...
If you weren't so weird...
And the list goes on.
I put endless amounts of value on my outward appearance, but God doesn't care about that. Knowing God's Word has been pivotal to living with chutzpah because the more I understand how God views me, the more focused I become on living a meaningfully. In 1 Samuel when in search of a new king, God told Samuel: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Clearly, when I step back and assess the big picture, my appearance does not matter. The condition of my heart, whether or not I'm generous, living with honor and selflessness...those are the things that matter.
Are you distracted by the standards of others or our culture? Have you overlooked bettering your character to live up to others' expectations?
My challenge to you...
10 Day Chutzpah Challenge
1. Write "thinking of you notes" to 5 of your closest friends.
2. Post a positive-message sticky note to yourself on your mirror. (i.e. You are beautiful. You are smart and talented. Etc.)
3. Read something for FUN for at least 1 hour.
4. Pray or meditate for 15 minutes.
5. De-clutter your closet. Give away or toss anything you have not worn in at least 6 months. Or try the 37 Piece Wardrobe Capsule for ultimate simplicity! http://www.un-fancy.com/capsule-wardrobe-101/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe/
6. Give yourself the gift of fitness. Workout and thank your body for what it can do!
7. Call your grandparents. Listening to the stories and advice of older generations is not just a sweet blessing, but their lessons learned provide us with applicable wisdom for our own lives.
8. Start following a nonprofit that is proactively making a positive impact. Or, educate your friends and family of an issue in which you are passionate.
9. Take a mini road trip. Yes, just go on a drive. Roll down the windows and blast your favorite tunes. I recommend doing so at a time of day you would normally be sleeping or busy with other commitments. Take 30 minutes to blow off your normal schedule and get on the open road! (Note: do be respectful of others' time. Maybe think twice before cancelling important meetings or no-showing. Flakiness is not chutzpah.)
10. Invest in yourself. A wellness coach can help you hone in on personal goals and provide encouragement as you take steps toward becoming the best you ever! Check out https://threedubwellness.wordpress.com/aboutme/. My friend, Whitney, is a health coach and has got it going on!
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