I accompanied my daughter and her six-week-old son to a doctor’s appointment this morning. He got the whole check-up, and we waited to hear the report on his progress. Had he gained enough weight? Was he developing as he should? This day marked the first significant milestone for little Nikolas. He was being measured on his performance as a human being – something that will continue throughout his entire life.
The world has placed great value on performance. Everywhere we turn, there is another measurement of how we’ve performed – our grades in school, our ability in sports or music or science, our popularity with peers. This carries over into the workplace with performance evaluations and promotions . . . or lack thereof. All of these results determine the level of acceptance we receive from those around us.
Does this same mindset appear in our spiritual lives?
Are we “performing” to gain acceptance from God?
Let me tell you something about our wonderful heavenly Father. He is not waiting for you to do something great in the eyes of the world before He accepts you. He doesn’t expect to you get straight A’s, or to compose a concerto, or win an Olympic medal. All He wants is all of you. Exactly who you are. Just where you’re at.
He will show you what He’s called you to do. And He did not create you to fail.
How cool is that?
Oh, by the way, Nikolas is 10 lbs 14 oz, and doing just great!
Inside the Writer 
Wendy, what a great post. I needed to read this. So many times, I don't think I measure up. In fact, my entire life has been about not meeting someone's expectations, often my own. But what you've shown through your post is that our dear Lord accepts us just as we are. We don't need to exceed what we think His expectations of us are to win His favor or His love. We are good enough for Him just the way we are. And that message is so reassuring in a world that seems to pit one person against another in so many ways.Beautiful job juxtaposing your grandchild's progress with how God accepts us as we are. Every time I read your blog, I'm inspired. If that's your goal for writing it, it works.Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Wendy,Enjoyed your devotion. Hope someday I'll get to accompany my grandson to the doctor's office. What an awesome privilege. Great message about how God loves us. So much truth in so few words. Judy Bodmer
Another awesome "sermon of the day"! Your words echo such truth as it is very easy to tranfer the worldly evaluations we encounter in our jobs or school to our spiritual lives. It is wonderful to know God does not follow the same process of evaluations and is thrilled with us just as we are. How fabulous is that?! Great post!! 🙂