In front of me, just above my computer station, the place which probably knows me by name, and maybe loves or appreciates me for spending most of my time there, are photo albums; albums that contain photos of friends, relatives, family members and places that I
have been to. Except that I have slowed down with age, I used to take photos, and I mean lots of them. If I know you, or have met you somewhere, it’s possible that your photo is there too.

It’s interesting that at my place of work, I am one of those who take, develop, and hand over the passport photos to the customers. Like all other assignments, I like this part of my assignment. But I must confess that it took me a while to learn how to use the
digital camera, or maybe this particular one.  But today if you asked me, I will tell you that I consider myself an expert.

Of all the years that I have done what one may consider one of my hobbies,one thing has surprised me: People just don’t like the way they look, period! Some of the reactions I have heard over the years, include but not limited to,” I don’t like the way I look,” or “I hate myself.” And because of this, I have been requested to re-take the pictures over and over again, with hopes of someone looking better! Well!

And so I wonder,”Do you like yourself, I mean the way you look? Which part of yourself don’t you like and why, If I may ask?

Maybe like me,  you don’t have this problem, but do you know someone who does? This problem is not as easy as you may want to take it. There are people who have taken their own lives simply because they thought no one liked them because of the way they look.

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Furthermore, you and I need to remember the adage that “one man’s meat is another man’s poison.”

Included in the many prayers that have had an impact in my life, is the prayer of Saint Francis, of Assisi. He prayed,”God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, courage to change things I can,and wisdom to know the difference.” To me,this is
it! How I look is one thing that I cannot change. For the best reasons known to the good Lord, this is who He planned to make and I cannot do anything about it.

And so, instead of spending too much time, or better still, any time worrying about how I look, I decided long time ago to rejoice and praise my God because ” I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”(Psalms 139:14.)How about you my friend?
 

Just a thought

Pastor C.Absalom N.Birai
www.maranathasdachurch.org