Accepted
Consider this your official notice.
You are accepted!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you!
I know you've been waiting for this announcement to arrive.
Every day, you scour your email or social media to find that affirmation of acceptance.
But, each day, instead of unconditional assurance of your endorsement, you only find proof that you needed improvements before you would be "in."
The rehab experts on the reels seem to agree with those negative, shame-filled voices in your head that, sure enough, you have some work to do.
All the internal and external messages affirm that no one wants you in your "as is" status and that you need serious fixing before anyone can accept or want you.
Before being accepted, all the "experts" agree - you must lose weight, tighten those abs, eat that kale, get a better job, be in all the cool groups, volunteer more, find your purpose, create content to showcase your perfect life, win awards, extend your lashes, save the planet, lay down those habits, get more stuff, have the newest gadgets, freeze your fat, get more rest (but not too much rest), save the world, and even alter your face or body to pump up, tighten, or fill in any imperfections.
Exhausting.
In our world of incessant improvements, there is no rest for the weary fixer-upper.
Well, isn't that a load of stinky poo!
That darn devil, he's been slithering around forever, tempting us and triggering us that we need more.
He keeps finding creative ways to say the same old thing - God isn't enough, and neither are we.
The devil's stinky bait hooks us, and we believe the lies as we exhaust ourselves in our search for love and acceptance, which has been with us the entire time.
What a stinky, poopy waste of time.
The absolute truth is that we were accepted the moment God made us; all we need to do is love Him and love ourselves the way He loves us.
God loves us and wants us to love Him. Period.
That's all we gotta do.
No improvement, no performance, and no purchase is necessary; we just have to receive and give love.
I think there is a sappy 1970s song about love being the answer. Yes, I'm certain of it.
So today, allow me to REMIND you that you are accepted.
Just as you are.
You are wanted.
Just as you are.
Put down the phone, stop scrolling, and put away the "Ten Steps to be a Better (fill in the blank)" improvement book.
Get outside, smell the fresh air, admire the blooming flowers, listen to some soft and supple 1970s songs (this is mandatory), and rest in God's loving arms as you celebrate your unconditional acceptance.
Welcome to the Love Club, my friend.
Matthew 11: 28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Psalm 136:2
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Titus 3: 3-7
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.