Pictures can create a distorted view. This stretch of the trail was steep and required all four limbs to traverse. Our perspective when facing it looked worse than this picture can depict. Now, with all of the photo apps that “clean up” a picture, it is easy to remove any blemish one wants to hide from others.
I’m totally guilty of blurring out a wrinkle or two, but I’m trying to break the habit. What’s wrong with the real me? Why should I look like someone I’m not? This became glaring to me when our youngest son asked us to go look at a home he was interested in buying.
He showed me the pictures online. It looked so cute. The kitchen was described as newly remodeled. Outdoor angles made the yard look sizable. The living room looked large enough for the sectional in the picture. The rooms looked updated and freshly painted.
When we arrived, it was a completely different experience. There were damaged shingles on the roof. The yard was smaller than expected. The living room was cramped with the large sofa. There were cracks in the wall, and the new kitchen was not new. The appliances and backsplash were fairly new. The countertop was damaged and the cabinets needed painting. At every turn was disappointment. We were shocked at the difference from the pictures. There was so much work to do we didn’t even bother going to the lower level.
We try to hide reality. We try to hide who we are. I try to hide who I am. I don’t want others to see the damage, the brokenness. Often, I don’t want to admit it is there to myself. This distorted view can carry shame and disrespect for myself and others. I forget that God says I am wanted and perfect just as I am.
3-6 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.(Ephesians 1:3-6 MSG).
God decided on me before he laid the foundations of the earth. I am chosen, worthy and enough. God’s view of me is not distorted and I’m still chosen. You are still chosen.
Reminding myself that I am chosen gives me confidence to do hard things each day. It gives me courage when I’m tempted to hide. It challenges me to post pictures without correction :0)
Do you carry a distorted view of yourself? Do you try to hide your blemishes from others? Are you able to own yourself as chosen? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.