Lessons from the Edge

I cannot base my self-worth on the words and opinions of others.

I work with some delightful people. There are residents at Edgewood who brighten my day with their smiles and kind words. They thank me for driving them to WalMart. They tell me how much they enjoyed exercise class and thank me for leading it. After Pizza Night or a birthday party, they'll tell me how nice it was and how much they enjoyed themselves. And I leave those encounters feeling uplifted and appreciated. I feel good. Feel like I've made a difference - and I matter.

There is another type of person at Edgewood, as well. This would be the type of person who speaks whatever is on their mind, without thought as to how it may come across to the listener. The type of person who has forgotten what 'tact' is and, therefore, doesn't us it. This person communicates what they don't like, and they aren't shy about saying that you did X, Y, or Z 'wrong'.
I leave those encounters feeling down and taken for granted. I feel sad. Feel like they don't care that I've tried - and like nothing I do matters.

One day this week - when I was feeling rather dizzy from going up and down so frequently - I realized I was placing too much value on the words and opinions of others. Way too much. While I appreciate their kindnesses, and while I want to hear critiques so I can learn and improve, I recognize that my worth comes from Christ, alone.
Jesus is my life, my hope, my joy. HE gives meaning and purpose to my life. HE speaks Truth and affirmation over me. HE is the Lover of my soul. The only thing that really matters is who HE says I am.
And HE? Says I am beloved, precious, forgiven, redeemed, beautiful, cherished...
Besides that, I know what Jesus says about me is not based upon my actions, or anyone's opinion. It's all about Him. His love, His grace, His mercy, His blood which covers me.

I will base my self-worth on Christ, alone.

Have you been placing too much value on the words and opinions of others?