Feeling Self-Conscious About Your Imperfections? Here's How God Feels When He Sees Your Mistakes
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Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
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Has your heart ever swelled with love while looking at a piece of art created by a child dear to you?
While on a camping trip a couple of summers ago, I played Pictionary with my nephews. When it was 6-year-old Alder’s turn, he drew a large circle with nine squiggly lines sprouting from one side, capped with a semicircle with a single squiggle growing from its center. I had no idea what it was. It reminded me of an ant, but it wasn’t. Nor was it any of the other things I guessed. Then, just as the timer was about to run out, with the help of a few hints, I finally got it right—it was an octopus!
After the game, I saved the little scrap of paper with my nephew’s crude sea creature. Just looking at it filled me with tender delight at his childish attempt. Though imperfect, I found his drawing precious.
There’s something particularly endearing about children’s drawings, isn’t there? There’s a purity to their art. They present their rudimentary work so sincerely, without worry over mistakes or fear of judgment. They don’t let inexperience or lack of skill hold them back. “Here’s what I made,” they say, fully expecting that we’ll enjoy their handicraft.
As adults, we don’t usually give ourselves so freely. Whether we’re artists, or teachers, or singers, or bakers, we often feel that our offerings are not worthy if they are not perfect. We stress and ruminate over perceived mistakes. But, just like a loving parent or caregiver, God isn’t concerned with perfection. What matters to Him is that we do our best with what we’ve been given. He loves to see us trying and growing. He understands our human limitations, and He cares more about the journey and the relationship than the end product.
The next time you feel that what you have to offer isn’t good enough, consider the words of Psalm 103:13 (TPT):
"The same way a loving father feels toward his children—
that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us,
your beloved children, who live in awe of you."
You are God’s child. That glow of affectionate delight I felt while looking at my nephew’s drawing is the same delight and joy God feels when we offer ourselves to Him and those around us. He loves watching you use the gifts He gave you!
In purpose and faith,
A version of this devotion was originally published by The Joyful Life Magazine.
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