Last week I watched a few events of the Winter Olympics. The determination, effort, and utter exhaustion in some cases gave way to unexpected accidents, performance frustration, tears, and to some, the exhilaration of celebrating victory. Every single situation triggered decades’ old memories of training and competition, losing and winning. Some people have their times on the podium, but most of us stand on the sidelines and watch others’ achievements, because no one is good at everything and the news only covers today’s heroes. No matter how good you are, at some point you will be yesterday’s news. That’s just reality.
By the time you reach my age you will have seen a lot of athletes, musicians, movie stars, and politicians rise and fall, come and go. Some you’ll wonder: “What ever happened to them?” while others will have quietly faded away and others go out like a ball of fire. Each one of them will provide you with a memory or stimulate a feeling you once had, now forgotten with time. But when they are recalled, they are here again for a cause — if for no other reason than to remind you of who you are. You are not just what you are this minute, you are a combination of every experience God wove into your life — each with meaning and purpose. We are told not to worry about the future (Matthew 6:34) and learn from our past, without dwelling on our forgiven sin (Micah 7:19). However, based on your makeup, your normal propensity will be to either block out the bad, remembering what you want to remember, or dwell on the negative and carry a pessimistic view into the future. It’s no different than who you think you are and who others think you are. Neither view is reality.
Reality is what God sees — you, a finished product, ready for service in His kingdom.
I want you to know that you can see God’s reality today. It all starts with your understanding who God created you to be or who you really are. Start by looking at the essence of who you are, not the physical beauty or spare tires and warts. Honestly consider your personality and measure your talents. Regardless of whether you see yourself as a five-talent or one-talent person (Matthew 25:14–30) you are responsible for what you have been given. Optimistic people are better at cheerleading while pessimistic people are better in analytical roles. I’ve told you many times not to tell me you don’t have something to offer the rest of us and the world — that’s a lie from hell. Once you accept your fabric, God can fashion the robes of the royal Priesthood you are called to — not before! That’s reality. Now go get dressed!
Love, Dad