What Matters by Janey Goude

Each comment stung a little more than the last. 

They weren’t trying to be mean. Their teasing was all in good-natured fun, but the jests struck at the core of who I am: a physical therapist and a writer. 

They also threw in a few remarks about my love of taking pictures. I felt small and worthless. 

I scolded myself for throwing a pity party, tugged on my bootstraps, and took control of my thoughts. 

God created me with these interests and giftings for a purpose – HIS purpose. It doesn’t matter whether others value my talents. What matters is that I use them for God’s glory.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Then, another thought occurred to me. My talents aren’t the core of who I am. At my core, I am a child of God. My worth isn’t based on what I can do. I am valuable because of whose I am. 

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1John 3:1)

Janey Goude and her husband of twenty-one years homeschool their four children, ranging from elementary school to high school. She enjoys exploring God’s open doors in writing, editing, and collaboration. Read her blog, Community Advance.