.: because i too forget :.

In the midst of this special day (Valentine's Day), I was brushing my teeth when I was suprised by the gentle reminder of this important truth. (Sidenote: Why is it that I find more spiritual enlightenment in a bathroom than I do in the church?) Here are some of the basic realities and concepts that fell upon my heart in such a way that I felt ever so slightly restored and released.

THE WORLD'S TERMS OF WORTH:
* How handsome or pretty I am (in terms of attractiveness)
* The number of friends that I have
* How much I make (in terms of $$$)
* The size of my house
* What kind of car I drive
* How attractive my spouse or girl/boyfriend is
* My level of education (degrees and titles)
* My level of confidence before others implies greater worth over those who lack such
* My athletic abilities
* My skin color and status determined by race
* My social status amidst my peers and community
* My competance in any given arena or field
* My emotional health (i.e., can keep it all together)
* The number of names I can drop (who I know)
* The type of person that others view me as (kind, mean, popular, wierd, etc.)
* My lack of dependance upon others (independance, in terms of truly needing no one)

MY WORTH AS GOD'S CREATION (IMAGEO DEI)
* The incredible work of God in my heart speaks to worth
* The incredible love of God for me speaks to worth
* The incredible grace poured out upon me grants me worth
* The unique abilities that God has given me implies worth
* My existence as a creation that reflects His creativity reflects worth
* The friendship that I share with the Almighty, which is of infinite worth
* My relational nature, having been created in the image of the Triune God (who at His core is a relational being)

I find the greatest of hope in knowing that my worth lies within who I am - not what I can make myself into. My value is based upon something that is unchangable, for only God truly sees me for who I am. And because of His grace, He sees Christ's righteousness covering all of my shame and disgrace. In the incredible lyrics of Matt Redman, "Friendship instead of disgrace".

Thank you, Father! Thank you for speaking those words when I needed them most!