“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

If resolutions were pennies, I’d be a gazillionaire.

I’ve made them every year. When January 1 arrives all bright, shiny and new, I make my plans — to lose weight and eat broccoli, give up sugar, organize the lids of my pots and pans, alphabetize my spice drawer, paint my toenails purple, and reinvent my living room to look like the set of a Hallmark movie.

Except …

I remember broccoli gets stuck in my teeth, purple can be scary, and chocolate chip cookies taste so much better when they’re made with sugar. I’m amazing at making resolutions, but keeping them gets me all tied up in knots.

Lectures and stern talks to myself about working to improve and sticking to the plan, and spending more time in the vegetable department of the grocery store make me hang my head and vow to try harder. And somewhere amid all that feeling not-so-inspired about myself, I start the comparison game.

You know that game, the one where everyone else’s grass looks greener?

The comparison game is all-consuming, exhausting and the enemy of peace and contentment. I’ve spent years trying to have the perfect house and create the perfect me. I’ve wasted so much time comparing my beginnings to someone else’s endings, looking at the idyllic life on the other side of the fence and feeling like my life is inadequate, like nothing I do or say is ever going to be good enough.

I want to click my ruby-red slippers together and transform myself into someone taller and skinnier with long legs and perfect hair who can rock a prairie skirt, Concho belt and Lee Press-On Nails.

Truth?

This year, I made one resolution. I decided to stop comparing — to stop hoping and wishing and planning and dreaming for something I wasn’t. Instead, I chose to embrace the me who has been there all along, the me who was created by an incredible, amazing, awe-inspiring God who designed me with a plan and a purpose. I’m imperfect and distressed and worn around the edges, with flaws and weaknesses. And I’m a sinner saved by grace.

Every detail. Every line. Every imperfection. If you’re like me, you’ve probably made a gazillion resolutions, and I want to encourage you today.

Psalm 139 declares this truth: You have an almighty Father who’s knitted you together in the most fearful and wonderful of ways. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

You are unique, special, incredible. Your gifts and talents are custom-designed by God. You are one of a kind. You are loved. And the best part? Resolutions or no resolutions, you, my friend, are perfect! Just the way you are.

Dear God, thank You for loving me just as I am. I lay my struggles at Your feet. Help me celebrate who I am today and embrace my imperfections. Thank You for lifting me up and reminding me that I am Yours. Father, I ask today for the peace and joy for today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” (NIV)

1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.” (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:

Home décor blogger KariAnne Wood takes the challenge and overwhelming craze out of creating a home that you love. With her infectious joy and humor, KariAnne is there with advice and helpful hints and inspiration. Infused with witty, simple and can-do advice, The DIY Home Planner: Practical Tips and Inspiring Ideas to Decorate It Yourself is packed with unique features to help you design a home that’s a reflection of you, including organizational tools, style guides, photos, reference guidelines and simple and easy DIY projects.

CONNECT:

Discover daily inspiration for the home and the heart at KariAnne’s blog.

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REFLECT AND RESPOND:

Do you struggle with the comparison game? How does it affect your walk with God? Often when we compare ourselves to others, it distracts us from placing our focus on our heavenly Father.

Take a moment to pause and rejoice in what makes you special and unique. Remember you are loved.

© 2018 by KariAnne Wood. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Harvert House Publishers for their sponsorship of today's devotion.

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