Do I matter if people do not recognize me? If I do not do something remarkable?

I wrestle mightily with this—with the need to earn my place.

But, have you ever held a child?

I’ve never met one I would have discarded, no matter how dirty or disfigured.

They’ve all been someone to love and protect.

I remember holding my own.

Though they hadn’t done anything remarkable besides existing, I was so proud of them.

I love that before Jesus’s ministry even begins, the Father declares from on high, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”¹

This is how the Father rejoices over all His children—not for what they’ve done, but because of Whose they are.²

The trouble is, I often reject His acceptance because I prefer the acceptance of people.³

I repent.

We do not exist for the acceptance of people.⁴

We exist for the good pleasure of our Heavenly Father⁵, whose arms are wide open for an embrace we did not earn⁶.

We are accepted in the Beloved.⁷

Recline in it.

So, do I matter?

As one purposely brought into being by God for His own delight, very much so.⁸

I consider flowers that no eyes have ever seen, yet they bloom anyway, to the pleasure and glory of God.

¹ Mark 1:11
² Ephesians 1:4-5
³ John 12:43
⁴ Galatians 1:10
⁵ Philippians 2:13
⁶ John 3:16
⁷ Ephesians 1:6
⁸ Luke 12:6-7