Potential

A theme wove through nearly every report card I ever received in school: "She has a lot of potential."

That comment was usually followed by suggestions for improvements, including, but not limited to, the need to apply myself more, talk less during class, or stay focused.

At least I was consistent, right?

I always got the impression I wasn't quite hitting the mark. Add in a critical parent and some family dysfunction, and you have the makings of a young girl with less-than-stellar self-esteem.

As the years passed, the idea I didn't have what it took to live up to my potential took root in my spirit.

No matter what goals I achieved or joys I celebrated, I had this inkling within that it just wasn't enough.  

I didn't know it at the time, but deep down, I never felt worthy of being all that I could be.

I kept striving and trying to prove myself.

Prove myself - kind of an interesting phrase, isn't it?

I was looking for evidence to prove - to myself and everyone else - that I was indeed worthy.

I was held back by a feeling of unworthiness, and the fear of failure kept me stuck. As a result, I often sabotaged my success and happiness.

It wasn't until I understood and received unconditional love from God that things started to change for me.

Unconditional love can do that.

God loves us because He loves us.

That's it.

There are no conditions or expectations for us to meet for God to love us.

When that truth clicked in, I was more motivated to be all I could be.

God's love filled me so much that I didn't feel the pressure to prove my worth.

When we genuinely believe in our worth, living up to our potential is a pleasure, not a hustle.

When God says you are worthy of love and joy, you might as well believe it.

We can apply all the gifts and talents God gave us and enjoy the journey of using them to their fullest.

Even if we try something and fail, God is there, cheering us on and loving us every step of the way.

That sounds way more fun than all the striving and hustling, doesn't it?

We have the potential and ability and are worthy to live the life God gave us with all the enthusiasm we can muster.  

We will live up to our full potential and rest in knowing that God loves us just as we are, no matter what.

PS—If you talk too much and struggle to focus, I think you are beautiful, amazing, and special, just the way you are.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.