Red on the Head

Do you ever feel like a Raggedy Ann in a Barbie world? I do. I feel that way often. Sometimes it's because of my looks, sometimes it's because of what I perceive the world, my family, my friends, etc. have expected of me that I have failed to accomplish, and sometimes it's because I just feel pulled and tugged on by life.
It happens way too often. And I know it's not right to feel that way. My Mama would say to me, "God makes no junk." Easier to hear than to believe sometimes.
But I read the following today...and it lifted my spirits a bit...amidst all the uncertainty and up-in-the-air stuff in my life these days...
"We often see ourselves as lifeless 'Raggedy Ann,' while God sees us as beautiful 'Barbie'...
1 Samuel 16:7 says 'God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.' While media and magazines push outward extravagance, God longs for our hearts to worship Him extravagantly.
Don't get me wrong ladies -- every barn looks better with a little paint! There is nothing wrong with looking good, but our focus must be balanced. So, how do we accomplish our Raggedy Ann tasks while taking care of ourselves like Barbie?
The first thing to remember when balancing our lives is that we cannot do it all. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone. This often happens when we fear something is lacking, so we wear ourselves out trying to fill the void. We must protect our priorities and relinquish the things that steal our time.
We also need to take care of ourselves. There is a balanced way to do this, and we must care for ourselves if we are going to care for others. Be sure to rest, eat well, exercise and do something you enjoy while maintaining the responsibilities that God has given you. It is rare that anyone needs us 24 hours a day. Make a decision that you will take care of yourself so that you can care for others with excellence.
Finally, stop focusing on what is wrong with you, and take an inventory of what you do right! As women, we often find it easy to name our flaws while struggling to list our strengths. If this is difficult for you, write down five things you do right each day. Make a conscious decision to examine the good qualities about yourself, and focus on those things as you continue to make progress in the other areas.
The Bible says, 'As a man (or woman) thinks in his (her) heart, so is he (she).' So focus on the good things! You are a beautiful 'Barbie' in the eyes of your Heavenly Father."
I'm working on my list...it might take a while...and it'll be a struggle...but I'm working on it!