Make A List

Make a List

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Psalm 16:11

Often we can’t embrace today’s beauty because we are convinced we don’t measure up to those around us. What if we refused to entertain those damaging comparisons and instead began to appreciate our own abilities? What if we made an actual list of all the things we can do right? Is that too difficult an assignment? Then pretend you are an agent listing good qualities about your client to a potential talent scout. And this time that client is you! Try it. Describe your abilities, achievements, curiosity about the world, and considerate treatment of others.

Too often we have a tendency to disregard our own gifts and want the gifts others have. When I list my abilities, I’m disappointed I can’t play the piano. After all, real Christian women are musical, right? But as I concentrate on the things I can do instead of those I can’t, I get to list public speaking. I can stand in front of five thousand people, and my heart won’t skip a beat.

Judy, too, struggled with listing what she could do. Finally she wrote, “I can understand complicated dress patterns.” Understand? I’ll say! She can construct an outfit that rivals any designer creation. (When I wear things in public I’ve sewn, women always smile graciously and say, “Oh, did you make that?”)

If Alice were to show us her list, she’d lament it took her forever to name even one thing because she was so busy thinking of the things she can’t do. When she finally talked herself into thinking of the things she can do, she listed, “Give a great whistle.”

Having freed herself from listing “proper” activities, she had fun writing down such things as changing her own oil, making Southern spoon bread that calms her husband when he’s upset, cutting fancy paper dolls freehand for their daughters, and hanging wallpaper without getting impatient. That simple little list started her grinning, and from that point on, she began feeling better about herself.

How encouraging we could be to ourselves if we would honestly appreciate our own skills and then offer gratitude to the Creator of the universe, who placed those skills within us. That’s a marvelous way to embrace each new day.

—SANDRA

Lord, too often I want the talents of others instead of thanking you for mine. When I look in the mirror, I complain about my size, my nose, my hair, the lines at my eyes. Help me to be grateful for my skills and appreciative of my health. May I joyfully anticipate your presence in each new day rather than grumble about my inadequacies.

Jesus does not give all of the gifts of the Spirit to one individual.

—CATHERINE MARSHALL (1914–1983), WRITER