I have a colleague with a special gift. When she talks to people, she makes them feel 100% seen. She praises them and offers genuine compliments, not shallow or insincere ones, but heartfelt words of appreciation.

 

Her ability to make others feel valued inspires deep loyalty from many of our colleagues. They are more motivated and willing to go the extra mile.

 

I’ve always been the kind of person who prefers to stay in the background. I don’t like being the centre of attention. I often feel shy or awkward when someone compliments me, so I usually brush it off with a silly joke or quickly change the subject.

 

Ironically, I sometimes feel frustrated with a close friend and colleague who often fails to recognise her own talent and capabilities. She doubts herself far too often and I find myself scolding her for not having enough confidence, because I believe she is truly amazing.

 

It has made me reflect on how we perceive ourselves, how others perceive us and how God perceives us.

 

He knows our full humanity because he created us. He knows precisely how talented, wonderful and capable we are. He also knows our weaknesses and flaws. But that doesn’t make us “not enough”. It does not diminish our beauty in his eyes.

 

The combination of our strengths and weaknesses is what makes us unique. What we see as flaws may go unnoticed by others. Yet, they form part of what makes us perfectly and wonderfully created by God.

 

So, in this most beautiful month, take time to focus on the lovely things that make you loved by God and others. Value yourself, because you are a child of God.

 

Prayer: Lord, we can often be so critical of ourselves and focus on our shortcomings. Please help me to recognise that I am special and valuable. Please help me to identify my strengths and build upon them. Amen.