Happy hump day ladies! I told you I’d be back. Ok, so where was I? Oh yes, a Saturday afternoon reading of Genesis 2:22:
The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man (Genesis 2:22 NASB,
emphasis mine)
Ahhh, the creation passage is one of my favorites. Unexpectedly, the reading of this verse led me on a trip back down memory lane, to the sweet little home design and accessories boutique I’d visited earlier that day. My mind still marveled at the beautiful display of uniquely handcrafted women’s jewelry I found there. I wish I’d taken some pictures, ladies. The items were really pretty!
There were necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Some were sold in sets. Each piece was so wonderfully unique and mildly flamboyant in design. Just enough flair to prompt the ladies around you to do what we all love (be honest), and that’s stop us and say, “Wow! That’s pretty! Where did you get that?” Just makes a girl’s day, doesn’t it?!
Although the pieces were not grossly expensive, I did note they were certainly not for the lowly of budgets either. Handcrafted items usually are not. To the maker, I’m sure, there is probably no price to be paid that would adequately represent the value of their heart and soul intricately woven into each piece. Heart and soul… Now who can put a fair price on that?
Handcrafted items often contain one of a kind design flaws. In some instances these imperfections even enhance the value of the piece. Whether reflected in the price or not, items made by hand often feel more valuable, don’t they? I don’t know about you, but I feel an undercurrent of reverence for the fact that someone took their time and used their talent to so carefully and skillfully form, from raw materials, something so beautiful and unique with their very own hands.
And this is the message the Lord wanted me to receive on that. He wanted me to reflect on the truth that I was carefully, thoughtfully and skillfully handcrafted by Him, and this makes me extremely valuable.
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. – Psalm 139: 13 NASB; emphasis mine)
My design is unique, identical to none other. Even my flaws are not meant to burden me as blemishes of shame. Oh how I wish I’d learned this VALUABLE lesson on value years ago. But better late than never, right?!
Maybe you’re struggling with understanding how precious and valuable you are. Maybe these days you’re feeling like K-Mart instead of Coach, Big Lots instead of Bloomingdale’s. LOL…Believe me, I’ve been there (and still there sometimes depending on the day, :-)). Maybe you’ve been waiting for someone, anyone to encourage you and tell you just how valuable you are. Well today’s your day, girlfriend, because I’m here to tell you! YOU. ARE. VERY. VALUABLE! I hope those words reach from my fingertips to your heart today.
Now here’s what I suggest we do. Let’s find a note card, some paper, some tissue (clean, of course) or something and write down the words of Genesis 2:22 and Psalm 139:13, 14.
See! I’ve got mine! Let’s keep them handy and pull them out as reminders of the fact that God almighty used His hands to form us, to create us, and handcrafted translates to very valuable.
Until next time…
Completely handcrafted, valuable ME,